List the properties of phenol that underlie its use.

Pure phenol is a white crystalline solid that smells like a disinfectant. It must be handled with great care because it causes an immediate white blistering of the skin. Crystals are often quite damp and discolored.

Melting and boiling points. It is useful to compare the melting and boiling points of phenol with the melting point of methylbenzene (toluene). Both molecules contain the same number of electrons and are very similar in shape. Melting point C6H 5OH – 40-43 ° C, boiling point C6H5CH3 – (-95.0 ° C).

Solubility in water. Phenol is moderately soluble in water – about 8 g of phenol dissolves in 100 g of water. Phenol is somewhat soluble in water due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with water.