What does phenol mean?
Phenol is an aromatic organic compound with the formula C₆H₅OH, also known by the older name carbolic acid. Its defining chemical feature is a hydroxyl group attached directly to a benzene ring. The pure compound is a colorless or white crystalline solid obtained from sources such as coal tar, and it serves as a basic ingredient in phenolic resins, disinfectants, and various industrial products. Phenol was once widely used as an antiseptic, but its ability to damage tissue and cause severe chemical burns led to the adoption of safer antiseptics for many medical uses. Today, it remains important in chemical manufacturing and research, though it is hazardous to handle. The word also appears in the related adjective phenolic, as in phenolic resin, and in the broader scientific sense for related aromatic alcohols. Its combination of usefulness, toxicity, and a once-prominent medical role makes phenol a particularly consequential word in chemistry.
nounPhenol is a white, aromatic organic compound, C₆H₅OH, formerly known as carbolic acid. It is used in making resins and other chemical products and formerly served as an antiseptic; it is toxic and can cause severe skin burns.
- The specific aromatic compound C₆H₅OH, also called carbolic acid or hydroxybenzene.
- More broadly in chemistry, a member of the class of aromatic compounds in which a hydroxyl group is attached directly to a ring.
"The laboratory workers handled phenol with gloves, goggles, and a fume hood."
"Phenol is one of the compounds recovered from coal tar."
"The researchers compared the antimicrobial activity of several substituted phenols."
Used for individual compounds in the broader class of aromatic hydroxyl compounds, especially substituted phenols.
"Many of the phenols studied by the chemists were newly synthesized derivatives."
Once promoted as a powerful antiseptic, phenol became notorious for burns because it dissolves on contact with skin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does phenol come from?
Phenol was coined in the 19th century from the French phénol, combining phène, a term associated with benzene, with the chemical suffix -ol. The suffix reflects the historical development of the term alcohol and related names for hydroxyl-containing compounds. The same benzene-derived terminology produced phenyl and connects phenol with words such as benzene and benzol.
Related word forms
How phenol is actually used
In general use, phenol usually means the specific compound C₆H₅OH. The broader chemical sense is common in specialized and academic contexts. It is highly corrosive to skin, and the older name carbolic acid is still encountered in historical and industrial contexts.
Easily confused with phenol
Phenol is the compound C₆H₅OH, whereas phenyl is the hydrocarbon group C₆H₅ derived from benzene.