Phenol is an important organic chemical raw material, widely used in the production of phenolic resin and bisphenol A, in which bisphenol A is important raw material for polycarbonate, epoxy resin, polysulfone resin and other plastics. In some cases the phenol is used to produce iso-octylphenol, isononylphenol, or isododecylphenol through addition reaction with long-chain olefins such as diisobutylene, tripropylene, tetra-polypropylene and the like, which are used in production of nonionic surfactants. In addition, it can also be used as an important raw material for caprolactam, adipic acid, dyes, medicines, pesticides and plastic additives and rubber auxiliaries.
Phenol is commonly known as carbolic acid. The chemical properties of phenol are very active, and it turns to reddish crystals in the air or in contact with any impurities. It absorbs the moisture in the air and gradually liquefies in the air. Phenol is slightly soluble in water, soluble in benzene, alkaline solution and organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, chloroform, glycerol, etc. Phenol is weakly acidic and reacts with base to form salt. It appears blue when being dissolved in ferric chloride solution.