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Phenol
Phenol is an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula C6H5OH. It is a white crystalline solid that is volatile. The molecule consists of a phenyl group (−C6H5) bonded to a hydroxy group (−OH). It is mildly acidic and requires careful handling due to its propensity for causing chemical burns.
Phenol was first extracted from coal tar, but today is produced on a large scale (about 7 billion kg/year) from petroleum. It is an important industrial commodity as a precursor to many materials and useful compounds. It is primarily used to synthesize plastics and related materials. Phenol and its chemical derivatives are essential for production of polycarbonates, epoxies, Bakelite, nylon, detergents, herbicides such as phenoxy herbicides, and numerous pharmaceutical drugs.
The worldwide phenol market is estimated to be valued at USD 31.73 billion by 2025. Asia Pacific holds the highest market share. The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to project a CAGR of 4.9% from 2014 to 2025.
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Benzenol (noun)
phenol
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Phenol (noun)
A caustic, poisonous, white crystalline compound, C6H5OH, derived from benzene and used in resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals and in dilute form as a disinfectant and antiseptic; once called carbolic acid.
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Phenol (noun)
Any of a class of aromatic organic compounds having at least one hydroxyl group attached directly to the benzene ring.
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Phenol (noun)
a mildly acidic toxic white crystalline solid obtained from coal tar and used in chemical manufacture, and in dilute form (under the name carbolic) as a disinfectant.
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Phenol (noun)
any compound with a hydroxyl group linked directly to a benzene ring
“many of these molecules are phenols”