Uses of Phenol

Phenols are important organic compounds having wide range of applications in a daily life. Due to their unique chemical properties, they are used in the synthesis of some essential products, including antibiotics, antiseptics, and analgesics. In this article, we are going to learn about the applications of Phenol in daily life.

Phenols

Phenols are a group of aromatic organic compounds having a six-membered benzene ring connected with a hydroxy group (-OH) that is volatile in nature. They are also known as carbolic acids. The molecular formula of phenols is C₆H₅OH, also known as benzenol.

Properties of Phenol

Here are a few properties of phenols:

• Phenols often smell strong and are slightly acidic.
• They can dissolve in water, but not too much.
• Phenols turn a bit purple when you add iron(III) chloride to them.
• They’re found in things like plants and disinfectants.
• Phenols can kill germs and are used in some medicines.

Applications of Phenol in Daily Life

Due to its versatility, phenols have a several applications in daily life. Phenol plays a significant role in various aspects of modern living. Furthermore, phenol serves as a building block in the synthesis of plastics like Bakelite, contributing to the manufacturing range of products such as kitchenware, pharmaceuticals etc. Let’s learn about some applications of phenols in detail.

Used in Cosmetic Industry

• Phenol is majorly used in the manufacturing of the cosmetic items like sunscreens, skin lightening creams and hair coloring and dyes.
• Phenol is used in the cosmetics and skincare products manufacturing industries for the production of various skincare and cosmetics products such as skin lightening creams and lotions, sunscreens, and hair colors and dyes’ solutions.
• Phenol derivatives have the antimicrobial properties. It can be used as facial cleansers, acne treatments, and anti-aging creams. Mostly hydroquinone can be used to lighten hyperpigmentation in the skin.

Used in Manufacturing Industries

• Used in plastic manufacturing industries. We cannot imagine our lives without plastic. Most of the things around us are either made from plastics or have plastic components in them.
• The condensation reaction of phenol with acetone produces bisphenol A which is extensively used in polymer industries to synthesis various epoxide resins and polycarbonates.
• Phenol can be used as a precursor in the synthesis of picric acid, also known as trinitrophenol. Picric acid is primarily used as an explosive and as a yellow dye.

As a Preservative

• Phenol and its derivatives are used as preservatives in some pharmaceuticals and personal care products to extend their shelf life by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
• Phenol or are added in a minor quantity in products to extend their shelf life by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
• Mixtures of phenols (cresols) are used as components in wood preservatives such as creosote.

As a Cleansing agent

• The most commonly used disinfectant since ancient times is Phenol. It has got amazing antiseptic properties too. It was one of the most common chemicals used to clean household materials, especially washrooms and floor tiles.
• Phenol is an effective disinfectant and is used in various household cleaning products, such as disinfectant sprays and wipes, to kill germs on surfaces.
• Products such as Lysol and Dettol contain phenol derivatives like cresols or chloroxylenol.

In Pharmaceuticals Industry

• Phenol is commonly used as an oral analgesic and mild anesthetic. This is because of the numbing sensation it provides due to its astringent properties since it is an alcohol.
• Some precautions should be taken while using it orally because the concentrated solution of phenol can be toxic to human skin.
• Aspirin is most commonly used phenol derivatives as Analgesic medicines.

In Mouthwashes

• Phenol, although in very minor quantity, is also used in the manufacturing of mouthwashes for effective cleansing of the mouth and removal of mouth bacteria.
• Although due to toxicity of Phenol, it was replaced by the chlorhexidine and essential oils like menthol and eucalyptol, which offer antibacterial properties with fewer adverse effects on the human health.
• Phenol also provide pain relief and anesthetic effects, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with minor mouth irritations and mouth ulcers.

In Utensils

• Bakelite is extensively used in electrical switches and automobiles due to its property of holding extreme conditions of heat and resistance to electricity and other chemicals.
• The intermediate produced during the polymerization reaction is called novolac, this is a resin and is used as a binding agent or adhesive in many industries. Novolac is also used for protective coating purposes.
• Bakelite is widely used for making non-stick kitchen utensils.

Conclusion

In conclusion, phenol plays an important role in our daily lives. It serves multiple purposes across various fields. Its antibacterial properties make it a key ingredient in disinfectants and antiseptics, helping to maintain hygiene and health. Phenols are also important in the production of plastics, resins, and pharmaceuticals. Their presence in natural sources like plants shows their importance in both the environment and the food industry.

Read More :

• Preparation of Phenols
• Chemical reactions of Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
• Physical properties of Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
• Nomenclature of Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

FAQs on Applications of Phenol

What are the common industrial uses of phenol in daily life ?

Phenol plays a significant role in various aspects of modern living. Furthermore, phenol serves as a building block in the synthesis of plastics like Bakelite, contributing to the manufacturing range of products such as kitchenware, pharmaceuticals etc.

Which derivatives of Phenols are used in the synthesis of cosmetics products ?

Mostly Phenol derivatives such as hydroquinone can be used to lighten hyperpigmentation in the skin.

What are the products which contain phenol derivatives like cresols or chloroxylenol ?

Dettol and the Lysol are the two main products which contains chloroxylenol.

Give some examples of derivatives of Phenols used in the manufacturing of kitchen utensils.

Bakelite and Novolac is widely used for making non-stick kitchen utensils.

What are the medicinal applications of phenol?

Phenol has antiseptic properties and is used in throat lozenges, throat sprays, and oral hygiene products. It’s also employed in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, including analgesics and antiseptics.