Introduction to Phenols :

What are Phenols ?

• Phenols are a class of organic chemical compounds that structurally consist of a
hydroxyl functional group directly attached to an aromatic hydrocarbon .
• The name phenols is derived from the simplest of these compounds ,which is
phenol C6H5OH.
• Phenols can be simple or multiple ,depending on the number of phenol units in
the molecule.
Where are Phenols Found ?
• Phenols occur naturally in various compounds ,such as :

o Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

o Catechin (an antioxidant found in tea)
o Lignin (a major component in plant cell walls)
• Phenols are industrially obtained through :
o Chlorination reaction
o Oxidation reaction
o Condensation reaction
Uses of Phenols :
• Phenols are used in various applications ,such as :
o Manufacturing plastics
o Manufacturing medicines
o Manufacturing pesticides
o Manufacturing disinfectants
o Manufacturing perfumes
Benefits of Phenols :
• Phenols have many benefits ,such as:

1
Properties of Phenols: Physical and Chemical

Physical Properties:
• State:
o At room temperature, simple phenol (C6H5OH) is a colorless crystalline
solid.
o Some other phenols, such as cresol, are liquids at room temperature.
• Color:
o Simple phenol is colorless, but some other phenols may be colored.
• Odor:
o Phenol has a strong, distinctive odor, often described as a "hospital smell".
• Solubility:
o Phenol is partially soluble in water and more soluble in organic solvents
such as ethanol and ether.
• Melting Point:
o The melting point of phenols varies depending on their composition, but
generally ranges between 40 and 100 degrees Celsius.
• Boiling Point:
o The boiling point of phenols varies depending on their composition, but
generally ranges between 180 and 250 degrees Celsius.
Chemical Properties:
• Acidity:
o Phenols are weak acids and react with bases to form salts.
• Oxidizability:
o Phenols can be easily oxidized to form quinone compounds.
• Substitution:
o Hydrogen atoms in the phenyl ring can be substituted with other functional
groups.
• Chemical Reactions:
o Phenols react with many other chemicals, such as:
▪ Acids

2
 ▪ Bases
▪ Oxidizing agents
▪ Reducing agents
Examples of Phenol Reactions:
• Reaction of phenol with sodium hydroxide:

C6H5OH + NaOH → C6H5ONa + H2O

• Reaction of phenol with nitric acid:

C6H5OH + HNO3 → C6H5NO2 + H2O

• Reaction of phenol with bromine:

C6H5OH + Br2 → C6H5Br2 + HBr

Hazards of Phenols:
• Some phenols are toxic, such as:

o Phenol
o Cresol
o Bisphenol A
• These phenols can cause health problems, such as:

o Skin irritation
o Liver damage
o Cancer

3
Properties of Phenols: Physical and Chemical

Physical Properties:
• State:
o At room temperature, simple phenol (C6H5OH) is a colorless crystalline
solid.
o Some other phenols, such as cresol, are liquids at room temperature.
• Color:
o Simple phenol is colorless, but some other phenols may be colored.
• Odor:
o Phenol has a strong, distinctive odor, often described as a "hospital smell".
• Solubility:
o Phenol is partially soluble in water and more soluble in organic solvents
such as ethanol and ether.
• Melting Point:
o The melting point of phenols varies depending on their composition, but
generally ranges between 40 and 100 degrees Celsius.
• Boiling Point:
o The boiling point of phenols varies depending on their composition, but
generally ranges between 180 and 250 degrees Celsius.
Chemical Properties:
• Acidity:
o Phenols are weak acids and react with bases to form salts.
• Oxidizability:
o Phenols can be easily oxidized to form quinone compounds.
• Substitution:
o Hydrogen atoms in the phenyl ring can be substituted with other functional
groups.
• Chemical Reactions:
o Phenols react with many other chemicals, such as:
▪ Acids

4
 ▪ Bases
▪ Oxidizing agents
▪ Reducing agents
Examples of Phenol Reactions:
• Reaction of phenol with sodium hydroxide:

C6H5OH + NaOH → C6H5ONa + H2O

• Reaction of phenol with nitric acid:

C6H5OH + HNO3 → C6H5NO2 + H2O

• Reaction of phenol with bromine:

C6H5OH + Br2 → C6H5Br2 + HBr

Hazards of Phenols:
• Some phenols are toxic, such as:

o Phenol
o Cresol
o Bisphenol A
• These phenols can cause health problems, such as:

o Skin irritation
o Liver damage
o Cancer
Note:
• This is not an exhaustive list of all the physical and chemical properties of
phenols.
• It is important to be aware of the properties, benefits, and risks of phenols when
using them in various applications.

5
Steps for Each Type of Chemical Reaction:

1. Synthesis Reactions:
• Step 1: Mix the reactants.
• Step 2: Heat the mixture (may not be necessary in some cases).
• Step 3: Let the mixture react until the reaction is complete.
• Step 4: Separate the product from the remaining materials.
• Step 5: Purify the product.
2. Decomposition Reactions:
• Step 1: Mix the reactants.
• Step 2: Heat the mixture (may not be necessary in some cases).
• Step 3: Let the mixture react until the reaction is complete.
• Step 4: Separate the products from each other.
• Step 5: Purify the products.
3. Substitution Reactions:
• Step 1: Mix the reactants.
• Step 2: Heat the mixture (may not be necessary in some cases).
• Step 3: Let the mixture react until the reaction is complete.
• Step 4: Separate the product from the remaining materials.
• Step 5: Purify the product.
4. Combustion Reactions:
• Step 1: Mix the reactants (fuel and oxidizer).
• Step 2: Ignite the mixture.
• Step 3: Let the mixture react until the reaction is complete.
• Step 4: Separate the products from each other.
• Step 5: Purify the products.
Notes:
• These are general steps, and the actual steps may vary depending on the type of
chemical reaction.

6
 • It is important to follow safety instructions when performing any chemical
reaction.
Note:
• This is not an exhaustive list of all types of chemical reactions.
• There are many other types of chemical reactions, each with its own steps.