Phenol and Phenolics

Abstract

Phenol was originally isolated from coal tar streams, but now it is almost exclusively produced by the oxidation of cumene and subsequent cleavage of the cumene hydroperoxide to form phenol and acetone. The U.S. production of phenol for 1995 was 4.16 billion lb. Phenol is used in the petroleum industry to extract lube (lubricating) oil from residual oil. It is reacted with aldehydes such as formaldehyde to form “phenolic resins,” which are widely used as adhesives, structural products, and electrical laminates. Other uses include the manufacture of caprolactam (an intermediate in the manufacture of nylon), bisphenol A (an intermediate in the manufacture of epoxy resins and polycarbonates), herbicides, wood preservatives, hydraulic fluids, heavy‐duty surfactants, lube oil additives, tank linings and coatings, and intermediates for plasticizers and other specialty chemicals. Phenol is used medically in throat lozenges, disinfectants, and ointments; for facial skin peels; and to cause nerve block. With rare exceptions, human exposure in industry has been limited to accidental contact of phenol with the skin or to inhalation of phenol vapors. Other major sources of inhalation exposure include residential burning and automobile exhaust. Similar details are given for phenolics, including chloro and bromo compounds.