Phenols are very important industrial chemicals because of their reactivity, antiseptic properties, and role as intermediates in the manufacture of many products. Here are the main applications:
Applications of Phenols in Industry
- Disinfectants and Antiseptics
- Phenol itself was the first antiseptic used by Joseph Lister in surgery.
- Phenolic compounds (e.g., cresols, chloroxylenol in Dettol) are still used in disinfectants and antiseptic solutions.
- Plastics and Resins
- Phenol is used to make Bakelite (phenol-formaldehyde resin), one of the first synthetic plastics.
- Also used in the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonates, important for engineering materials.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Phenolic derivatives are found in drugs like aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), antiseptic throat lozenges, and other pain relievers.
- Dyes and Explosives
- Phenol is used to manufacture picric acid (trinitrophenol), which is used as a dye and explosive.
- Other phenolic intermediates are used in synthetic dyes and pigments.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Small amounts of phenolic compounds are used in skin peels, mouthwashes, and as preservatives.
- Agricultural Chemicals
- Phenolic compounds are used to make herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
- Industrial Solvents and Precursors
- Phenol is a starting material for many chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), used in polycarbonate plastics.
- It also helps in producing caprolactam (for Nylon-6) and adipic acid.
In summary: Phenols are applied in disinfectants, plastics, pharmaceuticals, dyes, explosives, cosmetics, agrochemicals, and as chemical intermediates.