Uses of Phenol: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Properties of Phenol

Some of the physical properties of phenol are as follows:

Boiling point: Phenols exhibit a higher boiling point than most other hydrocarbons. The boiling point increases with the addition of new carbon atoms.

Solubility: Phenols are soluble in water. The solubility reduces with the addition of new alkyl groups or an increase in their size.

Acidity: Phenols react with sodium, potassium, and other active metals to form phenoxides. These reactions indicate its acidic nature.

Uses of Phenol

The various uses of phenol are as follows:

• Phenol is most widely used as a disinfectant and to clean bathroom tiles and other household materials. It is sometimes used as an antiseptic too.

• Phenol has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties and can be used to destroy bacterias and fungi.

• Phenols are also a part of various mouthwashes in minor quantities. Its antibacterial properties help get rid of the bacterias present inside the mouth.

• Various pharmaceutical drugs and chemicals like picric acid use phenol as a starting agent.

• It also preserves the quality of wood when applied on its surface by stopping various bacterias and fungi’ growth.

• It is found in various creams and lotions like skin tightening cream, sunscreens, hair colors, and dyes.

• It serves as an essential compound for the extraction of biomolecules from various animal cells and tissue samples. It is also used widely for research and studies conducted in microbiology.

• Phenol reacts with formaldehyde and polymerizes to form phenol-formaldehyde resins. This resin, also known commercially as bakelite, is used to manufacture switches, cabinets, doors, etc. It can withstand extreme conditions, and hence, this resin is used in various electrical and automobile industries.

• The reaction between phenol and formaldehyde also forms a sun-like compound called Novolac. Novolac has adhesive properties and is used as a binding agent in different industries. 

• It helps in sterilizing injections, tubes, and other medical equipment in hospitals.

• It helps to treat muscle spasms and relieve chronic nerve pain. Hence, it is given to patients who have Parkinson’s disease or cerebral palsy in limited quantities. 

• It also helps in producing various plastics by serving as a starting material in the polymerization process. 

Phenols in class 11 and 12

In class 11, the basic structure and reaction of different compounds with phenols are mentioned in various chapters.

The chapter on Alcohols, Phenols, and Ether in class 12 include a complete and detailed explanation of phenols. It consists of a thorough explanation of the physical and chemical properties of phenols. 

Alcohols, phenols, and ethers have a high weightage in the class 12 exams. Hence, one or two questions may be asked on phenols.