Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
phenol
noun
/ˈfiː.nɒl/
Definition
Phenol is a colorless to light pink, volatile compound that has a sweet, medicinal odor and is often used in various chemical applications.
Examples
- Phenol can be found in household disinfectants.
- Researchers use phenol to extract DNA from cells.
- In large quantities, phenol can be toxic to humans.
Meaning
In chemistry, phenol refers to an aromatic compound containing a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a benzene ring, making it a key ingredient in the production of various plastics, resins, and pharmaceuticals.
Synonyms
- Carbolic acid
- Hydroxybenzene
- Benzene hydroxide
