Phenol (C₆H₅OH)

Phenol (C₆H₅OH)

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Phenol (CAS 108-95-2) is one of the most important aromatic intermediates in the chemical industry. Although it appears simple chemically, phenol occupies a central place in global petrochemical value chains — primarily as the feedstock to make bisphenol A (BPA), phenolic resins, and, via hydrogenation routes, intermediates for nylon and other engineering plastics. This page summarizes the substance properties, industrial production routes, commercial grades, primary applications, market dynamics, logistics and buyer guidance — all written specifically for an industrial trading & export audience.

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Quick technical snapshot

  • Name / CAS: Phenol (CAS 108-95-2).
  • Appearance: Commercial phenol is typically a clear to pale-yellow liquid (pure phenol can be a white crystalline solid at low temperature).
  • Formula / Molar mass: C₆H₅OH — 94.11 g·mol⁻¹.
  • Boiling point / Melting point / Density: Boiling ≈ 181–182 °C, melting ≈ 40.5–41 °C (pure); density ≈ 1.07–1.09 g·cm⁻³ (typical commercial liquid).
  • Acidity & solubility: Weakly acidic (pKa ≈ 10.0); miscible with many organic solvents and appreciably soluble in water (~8.4 wt% at 20 °C).

How commercial phenol is produced (industry overview)

Cumene (Hock) process — the dominant route

Today, the vast majority of industrial phenol is produced by the cumene (Hock) process: benzene is alkylated with propylene to form cumene (isopropylbenzene), which is then oxidized to cumene hydroperoxide and cleaved to yield phenol + acetone. The co-product acetone provides economic balance to the route. Because of its integration and long history, the cumene process accounts for most global phenol output.

Alternative routes and improvements

Other technologies—such as toluene disproportionation, hydrodealkylation (HDA) of toluene, or advanced process intensification—are used regionally or to supplement capacity; but cumene-route derivatives still dominate supply. Integration with refinery and aromatics streams (reformer/cracker complexes) is common for major producers.

Commercial grades, typical specifications & packaging

  • Typical commercial grades: industrial grade phenol (technical 99%+), polymer-grade (high-purity for BPA and resins), and small-lot reagent grades. Most buyers request minimum purity (e.g., ≥99.5 wt%) with maximum limits for impurities (e.g., cresols, water, heavy aromatics).
  • Analytical parameters often quoted: %phenol, cresol isomers, water % (KF), color (APHA/Pt-Co), refractive index, sulfur ppm and density.
  • Packaging & supply: bulk ISO tanks and road/rail tankers for industrial volumes; MR chemical tankers for ocean shipments. Small volumes can be supplied in drums/IBCs. Suppliers routinely provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) per lot.

Main industrial applications & downstream value chains

Phenol is a platform chemical—its derivatives feed many high-value materials:

  • Bisphenol A (BPA): The largest single derivative by volume — BPA + epichlorohydrin → polycarbonate (PC), epoxy resins and other engineering polymers. Demand in packaging, electronics and automotive strongly influences phenol demand.
  • Phenolic resins (phenol-formaldehyde): Used in laminates, adhesives, insulation, molded goods and foundry binders. Phenolic chemistry provides heat resistance and mechanical strength.
  • Hydrogenation products: Phenol hydrogenation yields cyclohexanone / cyclohexanol streams that are precursors to caprolactam — the monomer for nylon-6 (linking phenol supply indirectly to nylon and polyamide markets).
  • Specialty chemicals & solvents: Alkylphenols, creosote derivatives and other phenolic compounds for agrochemicals, antioxidants, and industrial intermediates.

Because phenol sits upstream of BPA, epoxy resins and nylon intermediates, phenol demand tracks trends in plastics, resins, construction, automotive and electronics.

Market size, regional demand and recent trends

  • Global volumes & growth: Independent market analysts estimate the global phenol market in the low double-digit million tonnes range (estimates vary by source: ~11–12 million tonnes in recent baseline years) with mid-single-digit CAGR into the late 2020s driven by BPA and resin demand. Recent market reports estimate around ~12 million tonnes by 2025 with steady growth thereafter.
  • Value perspective: Market valuation estimates (USD) differ across firms but consistently show a multi-billion-USD market driven by derivative volumes (BPA, phenolic resins, hydrogenation derivatives).
  • Regional dynamics: Asia-Pacific is the largest consumer and fastest-growing region (China, India, Southeast Asia), reflecting rapid downstream polymer and construction growth. Europe and North America remain important value markets and technology hubs. Supply concentrations and feedstock availability (benzene/propylene economics) influence regional trade flows.

Quality control, specifications buyers should request

When sourcing phenol, include these minimum items in RFQs and contracts:

  1. Guaranteed composition: % phenol (e.g., ≥99.5) and specified max % cresols/other aromatics.
  2. Analytical data: Water content (Karl Fischer), color (APHA/Pt-Co), density, refractive index, sulfur/halogen ppm.
  3. Impurity limits: Especially for BPA or polymer feedstocks where trace impurities can poison catalysts.
  4. COA & sampling protocol: Lot COA and agreed sampling method (maritime tank sampling for bulk shipments).
  5. Packaging & logistics: preferred transport mode (ISO tank / MR tanker), loading vapour controls and Incoterms.
  6. Regulatory & safety docs: SDS/MSDS, transport classification, and emission control statements if needed.

Safety, handling and regulatory considerations

  • Hazards: Phenol is corrosive to skin and can cause severe burns on contact; vapors and liquid contact require engineering controls, PPE and immediate decontamination procedures. Chronic exposure can affect liver and kidneys; follow local OELs and regulatory guidance.
  • Transport & storage: Phenol is transported as a flammable, corrosive chemical under IMDG/ADR/US DOT rules. Bulk shipments require vapor control, bonded loading and emergency response planning. Secure storage (temperature control to avoid solidification) and spill containment are standard industry practice.

Major producers & commercial trade names

Global phenol supply is provided by integrated chemical majors and specialty producers. Notable suppliers and trade families include INEOS, Mitsui, Mitsubishi Chemical, AdvanSix, Kumho, LG Chem, SABIC, Formosa, Chang Chun and others — many of whom offer phenol under their corporate product brands or simply as “Phenol (Industrial Grade)”. For large contracts buyers typically negotiate directly with these producers or through established traders.

Logistics, packaging and commercial tips

  • Common packs: industrial bulk (ISO tanks / tank containers), MR chemical tanker for seaborne shipments, road/rail tankers for inland logistics; drums/IBCs for smaller lots.
  • Storage temperature: Phenol is a solid below its melting point (~40–41 °C); commercial liquids may have additives or are handled with temperature control to avoid crystallization in cold climates — clarify storage temp spec with supplier.
  • Insurance & contracting: Define sampling, moisture limits, acceptance criteria and demurrage/liability in the sales contract. For long-term supply consider take-or-pay or tolling arrangements tied to downstream conversion economics.

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