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.

Where is Phenol used?

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: key intermediate in synthesis of analgesics, antiseptics, and active pharmaceutical ingredients; preservative in injectable formulations
• Resin and polymer production: primary feedstock for phenol-formaldehyde resins in adhesives, laminates, and molded industrial components
• Personal care and cosmetics: pH buffer and antimicrobial agent in topical formulations; precursor of some products for the cosmetics industry, including hair dyes and sunscreens.
• Textile and leather processing: phenol-derived compounds for dyestuff synthesis and carrier solvent in fiber dyeing
• It functions as a disinfectant, preservative, and reactive intermediate across manufacturing sectors ranging from polymer production to personal care.
• Used in chemical peels to remove skin lesions.
• Used in injections for the treatment of chronic pain or spasticity.

Formulation notes

• The acid-base reaction with bases generates heat, which may initiate polymerization of the organic compound.

Typical specification

• Pure phenol is a whitish solid, whereas the commercial product is a liquid.
• Available as a 45°C molten liquid, 60°C molten liquid, 85% solution at 45°C, and 85% solution.
• Completely miscible with water above 68.4 °C.

Regulatory status

• Suspected of causing genetic defects (H341).
• Toxic if inhaled (H331).
• May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (H373).

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.