What is the chemical formula of phenol?

The correct answer is C6H5OH.

Key Points

• Phenol is an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula C6H5OH.
• It consists of a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded directly to an aromatic hydrocarbon group.
• Phenol is a white crystalline solid that is volatile.
• It is mildly acidic and requires careful handling due to its propensity to cause chemical burns.
• Phenol is used in the production of plastics, such as polycarbonates and epoxies, and is also a precursor to many other chemical compounds.
• It is also used in medical products, including as a disinfectant and antiseptic.

 Additional Information

• C₂H₅OH
  • Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, has the chemical formula C₂H₅OH.
  • It is commonly found in alcoholic beverages and is used as a fuel and in thermometers.
  • Ethanol is also used in industrial applications as a solvent and in the manufacture of personal care products.
• Hydroxyl Group (-OH)
  • The hydroxyl group is a functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH).
  • It is characteristic of alcohols and phenols and is responsible for their chemical reactivity and solubility in water.
  • The presence of the hydroxyl group in phenol makes it more reactive than benzene.