Phenol

Phenol was isolated for the first time from coal tar in 1834. Initially, its disinfecting properties meant that it was used to treat wounds.

It was soon discovered that a vast number of useful derivatives could be synthesised from it, preparing the ground for today's high-quality, high-value Phenol derivative products.

Physical Properties:

At room temperature, Phenol is a white, crystalline material that melts at 41° C (105° F).

With Phenol extracted from coal tar, it took an extreme effort to meet even 99.6% purity. Soon after INEOS Phenol started producing Phenol in Gladbeck, Germany in 1954, our process delivered a purity of 99.7%.

Today, we meet the quality requirements of the most demanding producers with purity of our Phenol in excess of 99.99% without water.

Annual Capacity:

  • USA: 540 kt
  • Europe: 1,330 kt


Formula:

  • C6H5-OH

Major End-uses:

  • Automotive
  • Detergents
  • Fibres
  • Sheets and Films
  • Aspirin
  • Plywood, OSB
  • Textile
  • Coatings
  • Glazing
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Melting Point 41°C
Boiling Point 182°C
Flash Point 81°C
Density 1.07g/cm3 (20°C)
MAIN DERIVATIVES
Bisphenol A Polycarbonate/Epoxy Resins
Phenolic Resins Moulding, Binders, Insulation Wool
Cyclohexanone Caprolactam
Alkyphenols Surfactants
Salicylic Acid Pharmaceutical
GRADESDSAPPLICATIONS
Phenol synthetic - 99.99%SDSCDs, DVDs, Aspirin, housing construction, automotive, textile, detergents, coatings, fibres, glazing, sheets and films.
Phenol synthetic - Low water contentSDSCDs, DVDs, Aspirin, housing construction, automotive, textile, detergents, coatings, fibres, glazing, sheets and films.
Phenol synthetic - Solutions with 5 to 15% waterSDSAspirin, housing construction, automotive, textile, detergents, coatings, fibres, glazing, sheets and films.