P

Phenol

IUPAC: phenol

C6H6O Organic Compounds CAS 108-95-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC6H6O
CAS Number108-95-2
Molecular Weight94.11
Melting Point109 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point360 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.04 at 105.8 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility50 to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePhenol solution, [aqueous] is a white crystalline mass dissolved in an aqueous solution. Solution may be colorless to slightly pink in color with a distinctive phenol odor; sharp burning taste. Aqu...
Also Known As108-95-2; carbolic acid; Hydroxybenzene; Phenic acid; Oxybenzene; Benzenol; Phenylic acid; Phenylic alcohol; Monophenol; Phenyl hydrate
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Phenol?

Phenol is an organic hydroxy compound that consists of benzene bearing a single hydroxy substituent. The parent of the class of phenols. It has a role as an antiseptic drug, a disinfectant, a mouse metabolite and a human xenobiotic metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a phenolate.

Formula & Notation

C6H6O

IUPAC Name: phenol

Other Names / Synonyms: 108-95-2; carbolic acid; Hydroxybenzene; Phenic acid; Oxybenzene; Benzenol; Phenylic acid; Phenylic alcohol; Monophenol; Phenyl hydrate

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Phenol solution, [aqueous] is a white crystalline mass dissolved in an aqueous solution. Solution may be colorless to slightly pink in color with a distinctive phenol odor; sharp burning taste. Aqu.... Molecular formula: C6H6O. Molecular weight: 94.11 g/mol. Boiling point: 360 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 109 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.04 at 105.8 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 50 to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.2 mmHg at 68 °F ; 0.35 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 1.5.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point109 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point360 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.04 at 105.8 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight94.11
Solubility50 to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePhenol solution, [aqueous] is a white crystalline mass dissolved in an aqueous solution. Solution may be colorless to slightly pink in color with a distinctive phenol odor; sharp burning taste. Aqu...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Phenol
Formula C6H6O
CAS Number 108-95-2
Molecular Weight 94.11
Synonyms 108-95-2; carbolic acid; Hydroxybenzene; Phenic acid; Oxybenzene; Benzenol; Phenylic acid; Phenylic alcohol; Monophenol; Phenyl hydrate

Frequently Asked Questions

Phenol is an organic hydroxy compound that consists of benzene bearing a single hydroxy substituent. The parent of the class of phenols. It has a role as an antiseptic drug, a disinfectant, a mouse metabolite and a human xenobiotic metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a phenolate.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.