phenol

Phenol is an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula C6H5OH. It consists of a phenyl group bonded to a hydroxy group and appears as a white crystalline solid or colorless liquid at room temperature. Phenol is mildly acidic and can cause chemical burns; it is acutely toxic and considered hazardous. Its primary industrial use is as a precursor in the synthesis of plastics (such as polycarbonates and epoxies), resins (notably Bakelite), nylon precursors, detergents, herbicides (like 2,4-D), wood preservatives (pentachlorophenol), food preservatives (BHT/BHA), pharmaceuticals (including aspirin precursors), and antiseptics. In medicine, it has been used for its local anesthetic properties in denervation procedures for pain management and as an ingredient in throat lozenges or mouthwashes due to its antiseptic effects[1][2][4].

Other names

phenolcarbolic acidbenzenolhydroxybenzeneoxybenzenephenolic acid