What is phenol used for?
Phenol is a widely used chemical solvent used in many places, including chemical, biological and medical laboratories. It is extremely toxic to living cells. Phenol is readily absorbed into intact skin. Phenol users must be aware of its properties and understand proper handling procedures. Proper training in the use of phenol and personal protective equipment (such as aprons and glasses) is recommended when handling phenol. Phenols are widely used in household products and as intermediates in industrial synthesis. Uses include.
1. It is used in DNA laboratories for molecular techniques.
2. Phenol is used over-the-counter (at 1.4% concentration) in the treatment of sore throats.
3. Phenol is present in many consumer products that are swallowed, rubbed, or added to various parts of the body. These include ointments, ear and nose drops, cold sore solutions, mouthwashes, gargles, toothache drops, analgesic rubs, lozenges, and antiseptic lotions.
4. Low concentration of phenol used as a disinfectant for household cleaners and mouthwashes. Phenol used as a mucicidal agent (a chemical toxic to bacteria and fungi with aqueous slime characteristics) is a disinfectant.
5. The largest single use of phenol is as an intermediate in the production of phenolic resins.
6. It is also used to produce caprolactam (used to make nylon 6 and other synthetic fibers) and bisphenol A (used to make epoxy resins and other resins).
7. Phenol is traditionally used to disinfect the surgical area prior to any surgery.
8. Small amounts of phenol in water have been injected into nerve tissue to relieve pain associated with certain neurological disorders.
9. If phenol is allowed to remain in contact with the skin, it can damage the outer layer of the skin. Small amounts of concentrated phenol solutions are sometimes applied to the skin to remove warts and treat other skin blemishes and disorders. Phenol-containing products are used as chemical peels to remove skin lesions and treat severe pain.
Single-Step Production of Phenol and Copper Metal
Phenol is mainly used as an intermediate in the production of polymers and adhesives. The current industrial production method is the isopropylbenzene process, a complex multi-step process that limits yields and generates unwanted by-products. It would be advantageous to produce phenol through a single reaction where benzene is the only organic reagent. Over 10 million tons of phenol are produced annually, making it a commodity chemical with a multi-billion dollar market.
Description of the Invention
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of phenol with over 96% selectivity for phenol. This synthetic process oxidizes benzene with copper sulfate and converts earth-abundant ionic copper into metallic copper. If the process is used in copper production, the ionic copper can be reduced to copper metal by benzene rather than by electrical input. The synthesis process is advantageously free of alkylation and does not require propylene. Avoiding the use of non-benzene organic compounds simplifies the process and eliminates the need to process or sell organic by-products. If implemented in a copper mining environment, the process would use already available copper-rich water and convert it to the desired copper metal end product, while producing valuable commodity chemicals. In this case, the
Potential Applications
◭ Industrial phenol production
◭ Copper Reduction
Benefits and Advantages
◭ Inspired by natural geochemical processes
◭ Simpler than current phenol synthesis methods
◭ Bypasses alkylation process and does not require propylene stream
◭ Copper metal byproduct instead of acetone
◭ Conducted with earth-abundant materials that are easy to handle at room temperature
What precautions should be taken when using phenol as a topical solution?
Phenol is extremely toxic and corrosive. It can be absorbed by intact skin. Because it may initially have anesthetic effects, phenol may cause extensive tissue damage before the patient feels any pain. Use topical phenol solutions as directed by your physician. Strictly follow all instructions.
❈ Wash hands with plenty of water before and after handling phenol.
❈ Clean the affected area before use. Make sure the area is well dried.
❈ Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and wipe gently.
❈ Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings, and cosmetics) unless permitted by a physician.
❈ Do not take phenol topical solution orally. Keep it away from your nose and eyes (it may burn). If it comes in contact with your eyes, severe pain and redness can occur. Rinse affected eyes with plenty of running water and immediately to in to a hospital.
