Phenols are compounds consisting of a hydroxyl group (OH) and an aromatic carbon ring. Phenols can be found in nature as well as made synthetically. One simple example of a phenol compound is a compound aptly named phenol.

Methods of preparation of phenol

When sodium benzene solphonate is fused with sodium hydroxide at 573-673k ,sodium phenoxide forms. This on acidification gives phenol. Phenol can also be produced from coal tar.

References

• Phenol on Encyclopedia Britannica