phenol

A white crystalline solid, C₆H₅OH; r.d. 1.1; m.p. 43°C; b.p. 182°C. It is made by the cumene process or by the Raschig process. Phenol reacts readily to form substituted derivatives. It is an important industrial chemical used in making Nylon, phenolic and epoxy resins, dyestuffs, explosives, and pharmaceuticals. See also phenols.