Phenol

• Phenol


  Formed by the OH group attached to a benzene ring
• Classification of Phenol


  • Monohydric phenol: only one OH group is attached
  • Dihydric phenol: two OH groups are attached
  • Trihydric/polyhydric phenol: three or more OH groups are attached
• Reactions of Phenol


  1. Phenol, the reducing agent, gains oxygen as it loses hydrogen

  2. The oxidizing agent loses oxygen as it gains hydrogen

  3. Product: benzoquinone (para-, ortho-)
• Reactions of Phenol


  1. Phenol, the oxidizing agent, loses oxygen as it gains hydrogen

  2. The reducing agent gains oxygen as it loses hydrogen

  3. Product: benzene
• Pharmaceutical Importance of Phenol

  • Antiseptic
  • Disinfectant
  • Antioxidant
  • Sore throat spray
  • Vaccine preservative
  • Oral analgesic/anesthetic