Phenol — Definition, Formula, Properties & Uses | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

What is Phenol?

Phenol (C₆H₅OH, hydroxybenzene) is an aromatic organic compound consisting of a hydroxyl group directly attached to a benzene ring. It is a weak acid (pKa ≈ 10) due to resonance stabilization of the phenoxide anion by the aromatic ring, making it significantly more acidic than aliphatic alcohols. Phenol is used in the manufacture of plastics (Bakelite), resins, pharmaceuticals, and antiseptics, and is a key building block in organic synthesis.

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Term Phenol

Index All "P" terms

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What is Phenol?

Phenol (C₆H₅OH, hydroxybenzene) is an aromatic organic compound consisting of a hydroxyl group directly attached to a benzene ring. It is a weak acid (pKa ≈ 10) due to resonance stabilization of the phenoxide anion by the aromatic ring, making it significantly more acidic than aliphatic alcohols. Phenol is used in the manufacture of plastics (Bakelite), resins, pharmaceuticals, and antiseptics, and is a key building block in organic synthesis.

More "P" Terms

P-type Semiconductor Pairing Pairing Energy Palladium Pd Parachor [P] = M(γ)^(1/4) / (ρ_L - ρ_V) Paramagnetic χ_m > 0; unpaired electrons; μ = √(n(n+2)) BM (n = unpaired electrons) Paramagnetism Partial Ionic Character % ionic = (1 - e^(-Δχ²/4)) × 100% Partial Pressure Partial Pressure p_i = x_i × P_total; P_total = Σp_i Particulate Matter Parts Per Million ppm = mg/L (water) or mg/kg; = (mass solute/mass solution) × 10⁶

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