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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:
1. Starting point for
production of epoxy, phenolic resins, aspirin, and
many other drugs.
2. Used in manufacture of picric acid explosives.
3. Constituents of herbicides and pesticides.
4. 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.
5. Used in manufacturing of nylon, synthetic
detergents, polyurethane, perfume, gasoline,
additives, dyes, photography solutions, in
medications.
6. Preservative in medications, antigens for allergy
shots.
There are naturally
occurring phenols such as:
1. The toxic agent in
poison ivy and poison oak.
2. Thyme oil is used as an intermediate solution in
production of mentol.
3. Tea Tree Oil and similar
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