Phenols are a class of chemical compounds consisting of a hydroxyl group (-O H) attached to an aromatic hydrocarbon group.

Phenols are made by the Cumene Process. The Cumene Process is a process used industrially for converting two cheap starting materials, benzene and propylene, into two more valuable ones, phenol and acetone.

In the process, benzene and propylene are first compressed to a pressure of 30atm at 250°C. Cumene is formed in this process. Cumene is then oxidized with a radical initiator. This removes the tertiary benzylic hydrogen from cumene, forming cumene radical. The cumene radical then bonds with an oxygen molecule, forming cumene hydroperoxide which is kept at a pressure of 5atm to ensure that the peroxide is kept in a liquid state. When Cumene hydroperoxide is hydrolysed in an acidic medium, phenol and acetone is finally formed.

Phenols exist as a whilte crystalline solid with a sweet-tar-odour. It’s chemical formula is C6H5OH . It has antiseptic properties, however it causes immediate white blistering when it comes into contact with skin. Concentrated or pure phenol causes impairment of the central nervous system, liver and kidney damage, and severe irritation of eyes, and skin.

During the Second World War, phenol was used by the Nazis as a means of rapid execution. Phenol injections were adminstered to induce nearly instant death. In the late nineteenth century and twentieth century, phenol was used as an antiseptic or used to manufacture anesthetics. However, as phenol caused severe skin irritation, it was soon substituted with other chemicals.

Today, phenol is used in the production of drugs such as aspirin, and in weed killers.