Phenol

Phenol (CAS 108-95-2), also recognized by its FEMA 3223 designation, is a high-volume industrial chemical used as a building block for resins, pharmaceutical intermediates, and specialty chemicals. It functions as a disinfectant, preservative, and reactive intermediate across manufacturing sectors ranging from polymer production to personal care. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as a key intermediate.

It is used in the synthesis of analgesics, antiseptics, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, and is used as a preservative in injectable formulations. Resin and polymer producers rely on it as a primary feedstock. It is used for phenol-formaldehyde resins found in adhesives, laminates, and molded industrial components. In personal care and cosmetics, it functions as a pH buffer and antimicrobial agent in topical formulations.

Textile and leather processing operations use phenol-derived compounds for dyestuff synthesis and as a carrier solvent in fiber dyeing processes. Phenol is supplied as a liquefied melt or in solid crystalline flake form. Liquid is the standard for bulk industrial shipment. Available grades include USP, BP, and Ph. Eur. for pharmaceutical applications, as well as technical grade for industrial resin and chemical synthesis use.

Bulk quantities are typically shipped in heated ISO tanks or steel drums to maintain product in liquid state. This ensures the material remains ready for immediate use in large-scale manufacturing environments.