Phenol

Phenol is typically derived from the basic raw materials of benzene and propylene. These materials are first used to produce cumene, which is then oxidised to become cumene hydroperoxide, before being split into phenol and its co-product, acetone. Phenol solidifies at 41°C (106 °F).

Phenol plays an unseen, but major role, in our everyday lives. Plywood, window glazing, DVDs and CDs, computers and sports equipment are some of the many items that rely on this important raw material.

Phenol is a also major component of the phenolic adhesives used in wood products such as plywood and oriented strand board. It is also used to produce phenolic resins, which are used in the molding of heat-resistant components for household appliances, counter-top and flooring laminates, and foundry castings. In addition, it is a valuable intermediate in the manufacture of detergents, agricultural chemicals, medicines, plasticizers, and dyes.

The largest single market for phenol is in the production of Bisphenol A (BPA), which is manufactured from phenol and acetone. BPA is, in turn, used to manufacture polycarbonate (the largest and fastest growing use for BPA) and epoxy resins. Both polycarbonate and epoxy resins are used in many different industries and in countless items which we encounter every day like CDs, circuit boards and fibre glass boats.

When reacted with bromine, BPA forms the fire retardant tetrabromobisphenol A. BPA is also used to manufacture engineering thermoplastics such as polysulfones and polyarylates.