Carbolic Acid, more commonly known as Phenol by many, is an aromatic hydrocarbon compound. A single molecule of Benzene consists of six carbon and six hydrogen atoms. When one of this hydrogen atom, is chemically replaced by a hydroxyl group, Phenol is formed. It has a sweet smell and is sparingly soluble in water.

The discovery of Phenol happened in the 1834 when it was extracted from coal tar.

• Phenol is found naturally in decaying dead organic matter like rotting vegetables and in coal. It is also found to be present in some of the vascular as well as non- vascular plants.

• Usually it is prepared industrially by the process of partial oxidation of cumene. The base reactant used for the production of Phenol is usually Benzene (father of Phenol).

Almost two-third of the production of Phenol is used for the conversion to plastic related articles. It is a key originator in the production of epoxy resin and nylon. Also, it is the precursor to many of the pharmaceutical drugs. Phenol, in low doses, can be found in some consumer products. It is used as a disinfectant, antiseptic and pain reliever. Mostly used in the manufacture of resins and plastics, but it is also found in fertilizers, paints rubber, textiles, adhesives, drugs, paper, soap, wood preservatives and photographic developers. Mixture of Phenol and sodium nitrite is explosive. Phenol is naturally present in wine.

However, the use of Phenol should be done cautiously. It is poisonous, corrosive and flammable. Its direct contact in unstable state by various means of inhalation, absorption and ingestion may lead to damage in central nervous system, liver or kidneys. As little as one gram of active phenol is lethal to humans.

In future, many chemicals including phenol may be produced in relatively small reactors called the Micro-reactor Technology. Researchers have claimed that this technology saves capital cost, reduces energy consumption and can be easily scaled up. A single micro-reactor could produce up to 1,00,000 tones per year.