Phenol
Phenol is any of a family of organic compounds characteristic by attachment of at least one hydroxyl group to a carbon atom which forms part of the benzene ring. Phenol is also called carbolic acid or hydroxybenzene.
In 1834, a German named Ruge isolated carbolic acid from coal tar. In 1843, another German, Gerhardt, prepared the same substance by a different method and called it phenol. In 1845, an English surgeon, Joseph Lister, began to use a dilute solution of phenol to treat wounds, establishing its usage as an antiseptic.
Other uses of phenol are listed below:
- Starting point for production of epoxy, phenolic resins, aspirin, and many other drugs.
- Used in manufacture of picric acid explosives.
- Constituents of herbicides and pesticides.
- Phenolic resin (bakelite) formed by reaction of phenol with formaldehyde are used in molded articles such as telephone parts, thermal insulation panels and laminated boards, children’s toys, refrigerator storage dishes, etc.
- Used in manufacturing of nylon, synthetic detergents, polyurethane, perfume, gasoline, additives, dyes, photography solutions, in medications.
- Preservative in medications, antigens for allergy shots.
There are naturally occurring phenols such as:
- The toxic agent in poison ivy and poison oak.
- Thyme oil is used as an intermediate solution in production of mentol.
- Tea Tree Oil and similar
