Boxa Chemical Group Ltd
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Phenol-Glycerol: A Deep Dive into Its Journey and Impact

Historical Development

Phenol-glycerol’s story goes back to the early 20th century, when chemists began exploring ways to combine the antiseptic qualities of phenol with the moisturizing traits of glycerol. This wasn't just tinkering in a lab—public health demanded better methods for wound treatment and preservation in an era before antibiotics. As technology caught up, the combined molecule found its way from academic curiosity to real-world applications, shaking up areas like pharmaceuticals and specialty coatings. During world wars, armies stockpiled phenol-based antiseptics, and as scars lingered on soldiers, the demand for safer, less caustic products grew—enter formulations incorporating glycerol. This change in direction influenced not just medical supply rooms but how industries approached safety and efficacy. The pursuit never really paused; chemists kept fine-tuning ratios and purity, balancing efficacy with reduced toxicity. It speaks to a cycle where needs and innovations push each other forward, not only shaping products but influencing whole industries.

Product Overview

Phenol-glycerol doesn’t fit a single box. Its main draw is the blend: phenol brings strong antimicrobial punch, while glycerol softens the sting and sticks around to bind moisture. Over time, manufacturers realized this mix could serve not only as a component in topical creams or hand sanitizers, but also as a base in research settings for protein stabilization and biochemical assays. Going beyond healthcare, the chemical pairing shows up in industrial settings where both disinfection and gentle handling of materials matter, such as in cosmetic manufacturing or food preservation equipment cleaning. When I worked in a food safety lab, formulations with blended phenol-glycerol beat out harsher rivals, accomplishing sterilization while leaving less residue and corrosion on gear—reducing downtime and repair costs over years.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Phenol-glycerol’s physical characteristics borrow from both parents. Phenol alone gives off a sharp, distinct odor and appears as colorless to slightly pink crystals, melting at around 40°C. It’s volatile, toxic, and burns skin—it demands respect. Glycerol stays far less dramatic—a syrupy, colorless liquid, non-volatile, sweet-tasting, and low in toxicity, melting just under 18°C. The blend balances volatility with viscosity, achieving moderate solubility in water, alcohols, and organic solvents. The mixture resists evaporation, yet spreads easily, making it ideal for even application. pH hovers on the acidic side due to phenol unless buffered. The trifecta of low vapor pressure, skin-cooling sensation, and microbial knockdown leads to widespread use. In the lab, phenol-glycerol solutions maintain chemical stability up to a point, only breaking down under harsh oxidizing or thermal conditions. On the molecular level, the two interact via hydrogen bonding, enhancing phenol’s activity and minimizing drift or quick evaporation.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Specifications for phenol-glycerol stay rigorous. Purity often measures above 98% for each constituent, with key specs including melting and boiling points, refractive index, and specific gravity. For hospital formulations, the phenol content typically runs between 1% and 5%, while glycerol carries the rest, sometimes stretching upwards of 90% for maximum gentleness. Packaging mandates tamper-proof, light-protective containers, and expiration dates clearly marked. Labels need ingredient breakdown, hazard pictograms, signal words, and emergency contact information. Documentation lists batch numbers, source, and any additive or stabilizer—a must for supply chain traceability and recall management under regulations like REACH in Europe or OSHA in the United States. During procurement, my team once flagged a consignment for missing phenol percent declarations; customer protection starts with honest, detailed labeling.

Preparation Method

No single formula rules phenol-glycerol preparation. Traditional methods start with high-purity crystalline phenol dissolved into warmed, distilled glycerol, stirring under fume hoods with close temperature control. Contaminants or water taint either component and reduce shelf life or safety, so filtration and moisture checks happen before and after mixing. Advanced producers run the process in sealed vessels under inert gas, minimizing oxidation and ensuring batch-to-batch consistency. Some industrial protocols include buffer salts or antioxidants, depending on end use, with every additive documented for downstream audits. Quality assurance labs test random samples for homogeneity, appearance, and chemical profile, rejecting out-of-spec batches before they reach loading docks.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

The phenol-glycerol pair rarely stays static. Researchers look for ways to tweak reactivity or lower side effects through esterification, etherification, or reaction with other alcohols and acids. For instance, converting some glycerol to mono- or di-ester forms changes viscosity and spreadability. Reacting phenol with aldehydes—such as in making phenol-formaldehyde resins—builds much more complex, high-strength adhesives. In medical settings, buffering phenol-glycerol with phosphate can reduce tissue irritation, while blending in secondary alcohols or antimicrobial agents gives products a broader activity spectrum. Years ago, our team worked on a modified formula for surgical prep that sacrificed some antimicrobial strength to achieve patient comfort during lengthy procedures. These little shifts keep the product relevant as medical and industrial demands evolve.

Synonyms & Product Names

Over decades, phenol-glycerol has picked up a trail of aliases. In some catalogs, you see it listed under “glycerol phenolate,” “phenol-glycol solution,” or “hydroxybenzene-glycerin.” Medical circles sometimes refer to it as “Carbol-glycerin” after the old carbolic acid-based antiseptics. In specialty chemical supply, variations carry trade names tied to producers, but the backbone stays standard for regulatory reasons. Clear naming limits errors in laboratories where similar-sounding ingredients cause serious mishaps. Early in my career, one supplier’s mislabeling—calling it “phenolated glycerol”—led to confusion and costly retesting. Decoding these names matters for both buyers and regulators tracing chemical footprints.

Safety & Operational Standards

Phenol, despite its value, brings risks—skin burns, respiratory irritation, and toxicity on repeated or large exposures. Blending with glycerol tempers immediate danger but does not erase it. Strict safety rules cover everything: splash goggles, nitrile gloves, and lab coats serve as minimum gear. Facilities need functioning eyewash and emergency showers. Storage demands locked, vented cabinets away from heat and oxidizers. Standard operating procedures keep the process tight, and waste disposal follows hazardous chemical protocols under local and federal law. Transporters face hazmat rules, from documented containment to spill response. Training helps: no shortcut replaces clear, stepwise instruction. One incident in a colleague’s lab—gloves left off during cleanup—reminded everyone that phenol’s caustic power can sideline a tech with one careless touch despite the presence of glycerol. Blind trust in the mix ignores the reality of workplace chemical injuries and regulations keeping people safe.

Application Area

The reach of phenol-glycerol stretches across clinical, industrial, and even agricultural domains. Hospitals rely on it for skin disinfection before procedures and as a component in certain oral care products. Laboratories use it to denature proteins in DNA extraction work, trading off phenol’s denaturing strength with the stabilizing touch of glycerol. In manufacturing, it keeps molds and surfaces clean, prevents bacterial contamination in cosmetic lines, and extends the shelf life of reusable medical instruments. Some niche applications turn to phenol-glycerol in veterinary medicine, treating hoof rot or prepping surgical zones on livestock. In agriculture, disinfecting seed surfaces before planting with a low-toxicity agent helps raise germination rates. The mix fits wherever a balancing act between power and gentleness tips the scale. From a personal angle, working with dental clinics, I’ve seen how phenol-glycerol soothes while it sanitizes, especially in sensitive procedures around gums and mucosal tissue.

Research & Development

Scientists keep pushing to improve phenol-glycerol’s performance and lower its risks. Ongoing research seeks to minimize the concentration of phenol needed to achieve reliable disinfection, wrapping in new stabilizers and synergists from the world of green chemistry. Biochemists study the mix’s interactions with proteins and lipids, hoping to unlock gentler yet potent formulas for use on delicate tissues or in sensitive diagnostics. Advances in encapsulation—embedding tiny droplets of the mix in polymer lattices—suggest possible controlled-release medical dressings. Environmental engineers have tackled issues of persistence, working on biodegradable derivatives to replace persistent phenol variants. The innovation isn’t just in academic papers; companies file patents every year for tweaks that win regulatory approval and open new markets. Once, I attended a seminar where researchers shared data on a phenol-glycerol-aloe blend for burn care, reducing pain and speeding recovery compared to traditional options, underlining a constant quest for safer, smarter chemicals.

Toxicity Research

Toxicologists keep their eyes on phenol’s well-known dangers. Even with glycerol’s buffering action, high doses or accidental spills demand quick medical intervention. Chronic exposure links to organ damage, especially liver and kidneys, while inhalation can burn lung tissue. Research demonstrates that glycerol lowers the speed at which phenol crosses the skin but doesn't eliminate systemic absorption, so monitoring blood levels after exposure still stays standard protocol in high-risk workplaces. Studies on lab animals show dose-dependent effects, pushing safety guidelines tighter over time—especially since children and immunocompromised patients might react more strongly. Newer studies use advanced in vitro models and computational simulations to better predict how modifications affect safety, looking for safer variants with less risk of long-term injury or carcinogenicity. The industry adapts, cutting concentrations and designing protocols that treat cleanup and first aid as core job skills, informed by old case reports and new findings.

Future Prospects

The future of phenol-glycerol looks set for both challenge and opportunity. Regulatory bodies tighten the leash on phenol use amid environmental and toxicity concerns, raising pressure for new blends that deliver the desired disinfecting or preservation punch while keeping side effects down. Biodegradable and plant-sourced alternatives continue to gather steam in the green chemistry field, meaning phenol-glycerol might morph yet again into friendlier formulations or entirely fresh molecules. The rise of superbugs and more frequent disease outbreaks intensifies the need for reliable, effective surface disinfectants, keeping demand steady in some sectors. At the same time, public health movements push for transparency, demanding cleaner labels and tighter safety oversight. Whether industries can keep pace with regulatory change—without sacrificing reliability—remains an open question. Yet, given phenol-glycerol’s track record of adaptation, it’s hard to imagine it vanishing anytime soon. Instead, I see the mix evolving, guided by safety, innovation, and emerging needs, echoing a pattern at the heart of chemical progress itself.



What is Phenol-Glycerol used for?

Breaking Down Phenol-Glycerol

Spend enough time in a biology or medical lab, and the phrase “phenol-glycerol” pops up. These two ingredients create a potent mix with important jobs. My first meeting with them came during a summer research stint, where tissue samples meant for RNA extraction kept things interesting—and sometimes downright stressful. Phenol-glycerol, often combined with other chemicals, helps scientists separate nucleic acids cleanly. This process matters in diagnosing diseases, tracking outbreaks, and developing vaccines.

Unlocking the Power of Preservation

Hospitals and labs run on samples. Blood, swabs, or tissue—each sample tells a story, and preserving its condition carries real-world consequences. Phenol-glycerol acts as a safeguard. In my hands, a well-made mix with just the right concentration keeps enzymes away from precious RNA and DNA, which easily degrade. The glycerol soothes cells and prevents ice crystals during freezing. Phenol, with its sharp smell, offers powerful antibacterial and denaturing properties. Together, they stop the slow decay that can turn a valuable sample useless.

Role in Molecular Biology

Walk into most labs and you’ll see phenol-glycerol used for nucleic acid extraction. Isolating genetic material requires separating it from proteins and fats without causing breakdown. This compound disrupts membranes and protects fragile nucleic acids during stressful chemical reactions. Its effectiveness lies in its double action: phenol’s chemical toughness and glycerol’s gentle care. By stabilizing RNA and DNA, it lays the groundwork for discoveries in genetics and personalized medicine. During the pandemic, labs handling COVID-19 samples often reached for phenol-glycerol solutions to ensure test results stayed accurate.

Phenol-Glycerol Outside the Lab

Beyond test tubes, the mixture fills other roles. It shows up in pharmaceuticals where the need for stabilized samples drives demand. In industrial settings, it handles biological waste, making cleanup safer. The preservation strengths serve in biobanking, where genetic material from rare plants and animals needs storage for years, sometimes decades. Field teams working in rough conditions rely on phenol-glycerol to save samples when refrigeration isn’t an option, and lives sometimes hang on the results that follow.

Health and Safety Concerns

Phenol demands careful handling; touching or inhaling it spells trouble for skin, nerves, and lungs. At first, I underestimated that risk—until a brief, accidental splash got my attention. Safety goggles, gloves, and good ventilation became part of my daily routine after that scare. Regulations governing its use deserve respect. Training and easy-to-read labels turn what could be a risky task into a manageable part of scientific work.

Room for Improvement

Chemists keep searching for safer, greener alternatives. Glycerol comes from natural sources, but phenol’s toxicity and environmental impact drive innovation toward bio-based substitutes. Research groups look for ways to replace phenol fully while keeping the preservation essentials. Companies exploring alternatives can lower environmental impact without sacrificing performance.

Final Take

Phenol-glycerol doesn’t headline the news, but the world of science and medicine relies on it. Its use might seem hidden, but with thousands of experiments happening daily and lives affected by their results, every piece in the chain carries weight. For now, its ability to preserve genetic material keeps it in regular rotation, with an eye toward safer and more sustainable solutions in the future.

How should Phenol-Glycerol be stored?

The Substance on the Shelf: What We’re Storing

Phenol-Glycerol forms the backbone of many laboratory and industrial protocols, whether preserving biological samples or acting as a processing reagent. Both phenol and glycerol bring their own problems to the storage table. Phenol can burn skin and emit dangerous fumes. Glycerol attracts water and thickens as it sits. No matter how familiar the label, this isn’t a mixture you toss into any cabinet and call it a day.

Experience in the Lab: Why Old Habits Cause Trouble

In shared lab freezers, someone once parked a Phenol-Glycerol bottle on the top shelf, close to the fan, right beside someone's lunch. A few weeks later, condensation seeped in, and the bottle’s cap gave way. That mess destroyed good samples and left a haze in the freezer. Safety protocols might sound boring until a single slip poisons the air. That lesson sticks—keep Phenol-Glycerol with vigilance, not just a quick label.

What Goes Wrong Without the Right Storage

Improper storage invites accidents. Phenol, even blended with glycerol, poses inhalation and skin risks. Spills lead to surface burns; vapor seeps into airways. High moisture invites glycerol to suck up water, which affects how the mix works in any process. Light and fluctuating temperatures can turn the clear blend brown, useless, or even hazardous. The wrong plastic can melt or crack; a poor seal leads to fumes.

The Right Environment: Four Key Rules

  • Opt for amber glass, not plastic or see-through jars. Phenol breaks down with light. Amber glass shields against UV, resists acids, and has tight lids that reduce leaks. Skip squeeze bottles—the temptation to skip proper pipetting rises and so does risk.
  • Choose cool, dry, locked storage. Some seek the fridge, but the real goal stays below 25°C, away from food or drink. Fluctuating temperatures breed condensation. Place a spill tray beneath—never assume a lid means “spill-proof.”
  • Avoid high-traffic zones. Store in a dedicated chemical cabinet, separate from bases, acids, or oxidizers. Glycerol and phenol react badly to plenty of common chemicals and strong oxidizers. Close proximity tempts disaster during a busy day.
  • Implement double labeling and a plan for unwanted leftovers. Add date and initials. Create a log for all chemical movements. Unmarked mixtures have a knack for “migrating” and becoming surprise hazards in months to come.

Science Backs These Choices

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommend closed, shatter-resistant containers stored away from incompatible materials and secured from common traffic. These guidelines come off as strict, but those sources gather hard-earned lessons from countless incidents.

Better Habits Protect People

People new to the lab often think of storage as a chore. My first year, this led to casual habits—until seeing the stained countertop where someone’s rush job led to an emergency cleanup and lost research material. Hazards don’t announce themselves. They just wait for a distraction or a shortcut. Good storage routines reflect respect for both your coworkers and the science itself.

Solutions That Stick

Clear procedures, proper containers, and honest training make a difference. Regular checks on stock, prompt disposal of outdated vials, and written emergency steps work better than any sign or warning. Ultimately, safe storage of Phenol-Glycerol doesn’t slow down science. It keeps research running, labs safe, and people out of harm’s way.

What are the possible side effects of using Phenol-Glycerol?

What Happens to the Body with Phenol-Glycerol Use

Working around chemical solutions like Phenol-Glycerol in the lab taught me that nothing comes without trade-offs. Phenol acts as a disinfectant with pretty aggressive tendencies, while glycerol brings its soothing touch. On paper, this combination seems balanced. In practice, it’s a little more complicated.

People use Phenol-Glycerol mixtures for sore throat relief and oral disinfection. Let’s talk side effects, though. Burning and irritation stand out right away. The mouth lining reacts to phenol’s potency, and you might spot redness or even a mild ulcer after a dose. Looking back, most of the folks I worked with in clinics asked about that stinging moment, sometimes chalking it up to the ‘medicine working.’ For some, it’s the body’s way of sounding an alarm.

Swallowing a bit by accident? The odds tip towards nausea, stomach pain, or making a dash for a trash bin. The gastrointestinal system pushes back hard against phenol. Going further than that, a large enough amount isn’t just risky—it’s outright toxic. The CDC and studies published by the National Institutes of Health document cases of dizziness, difficulty breathing, and the sort of muscle weakness you only get after a harsh hangover. In rare situations, the body can’t clear phenol fast enough, landing the person in an emergency room with slowed heart rate, seizures, or even kidney damage.

Skin contact causes its own set of problems. Touching your mouth or lips with the wrong dose triggers peeling, blisters, or a patchy white appearance—the telltale sign of chemical burns. Some call it a minor price to pay for relief, but sensitive folks or folks with an allergy hit a wall fast. Watch for swelling, hives, or shortness of breath; that’s a textbook allergic reaction.

Long-term use brings up a different list. Phenol doesn’t stick around in the body, but repeated exposure can rough up tissue, disrupt the natural bacteria you rely on, or create stubborn sores that heal poorly. None of my colleagues recommend heavy or extended use unless the doctor insists and tracks every step.

Who Should Stay Away, and What to Watch Out For

Some groups pay more than others. Children, pregnant people, and anyone with existing kidney or liver conditions face higher risks. The lack of robust clinical trials in these groups puts a heavy question mark on safety. Even healthy adults can’t assume immunity—over-the-counter doesn’t always mean risk-free.

Swapping stories with local pharmacists, the consensus lines up: Clear labeling, honest communication, and a bit of hesitancy around off-label use protect more folks than any overexplained insert ever could. You want relief—no one wants a night in urgent care from the solution.

Practical Ways to Avoid Trouble

Safer use starts simple. Stick to recommended amounts, spit it all out instead of swallowing, and talk to your healthcare provider before mixing it with other medications or if you’ve got underlying conditions. If side effects pop up, don’t wait—get help before small problems stack up.

Learning about side effects isn’t meant to scare anyone away from practical solutions. But in my experience, walking into any treatment with your eyes open keeps the line between healing and harm much clearer.

Is Phenol-Glycerol safe for children and elderly people?

Looking Closely at the Ingredients

Phenol-glycerol doesn’t sound like something found in the kitchen. Normally, you find these names printed small in medicines or disinfectants. Phenol acts as a powerful antiseptic; it’s excellent at killing bacteria and reducing infections for sore throats or as a topical agent. Glycerol, by contrast, feels gentle. It pops up in sweeteners, cough syrup, and skin creams to add moisture and smooth texture.

Mix the two, and some lozenges or sprays for sore throats use this combo to ease pain and cut down on germs. That sounds like a good thing for sore kids or grandparents fighting a cold. But these ingredients deserve a closer look before passing the bottle around the family.

Understanding Risks for Vulnerable Groups

Kids and older adults both fall into groups doctors describe as more sensitive when it comes to medicines. Their bodies deal with drugs in unique ways. Children are still developing, and their organs—especially liver and kidneys—can’t always break down chemicals the way adults can. Elderly people might take several medications, and changes in the body from aging can make side effects hit harder or last longer.

Phenol absorbs quickly in the mouth. Swallowing even a small amount carries risk, especially for young children. In concentrated forms, phenol has caused nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, or even severe reactions. The FDA warns against using high concentrations for anyone, and especially in children younger than six. Some countries set clear limits or recommend against it for toddlers entirely. Cases where children accidentally swallow phenol products often end up in hospitals because their bodies can’t easily neutralize the chemical.

Elderly folks may also have thinner mucous membranes, dry mouths, or other health problems. Swallowing something irritating or caustic—even in small doses—can mean more lasting harm. Weak immune systems and pre-existing health conditions add extra risk. Plus, glycerol might seem harmless, but at higher doses, it can trigger diarrhea, dehydration, or blood sugar spikes—none of which help a frail patient bounce back quickly.

Real-World Experience and Practical Choices

Pharmacies stack their shelves with over-the-counter throat sprays and lozenges. I’ve tried a few with my own children during flu season. More than once, I stopped and double-checked the label. The directions almost always warn parents to keep out of reach and mention age limits for a reason. Our pediatrician never recommends anything containing phenol for children under six. For sore throats in our house, we look for honey, saline, or plain glycerol-based syrups as a safer bet. Those get relief without the dark cloud of potentially harsh side effects.

Solutions and Safer Strategies

Doctors and pharmacists offer good advice: If you care for a young child or an older relative, avoid phenol-glycerol unless a trusted healthcare professional says otherwise. Even then, dose matters. Using the smallest effective amount, following directions, and storing medicine well out of sight keeps families safer. Reporting accidental exposures right away to a poison control center lets experts respond quickly.

Companies and regulators could improve packaging and warning labels to remind caregivers about age restrictions and the danger of accidental swallowing. Clearer education in clinics and pharmacies encourages parents and caretakers to look past the packaging and dig into the safety information. Traditional remedies—honey for ages over one, saline gargles, simple fluids—often do the job without raising red flags for either children or older adults. Listening to healthcare providers and trusting your gut when something on a label stands out goes a long way toward protecting those who rely on us most.

What are the recommended dosages and application methods for Phenol-Glycerol?

The Role of Phenol-Glycerol in Clinical Settings

Many healthcare professionals reach for phenol-glycerol mixtures to tackle stubborn mouth and throat inflammation. It’s a time-tested remedy found in many clinics, especially for managing oral pain or treating minor infections. The blend draws on phenol’s disinfectant punch and glycerol’s ability to soothe sensitive tissues. In my years shadowing doctors and consulting pharmacists, I’ve seen patients grateful for fast relief.

Dosing Guidelines from Experience and Science

A bottle of phenol-glycerol isn’t something you use recklessly. Getting the dose right matters. Studies recommend a solution mixing 1 to 2 percent phenol in glycerol for most mucous membrane applications; stronger mixes risk irritating the tissue. Dentists I’ve worked with apply a swab dipped in the solution directly to the sore area. Most stress that direct application once or twice daily, no more than three days in a row, strikes the right balance. Extended use risks tissue damage or toxicity.

Swishing isn’t the way. People who try to gargle end up with too much exposure and sometimes chemical burns. Topical, targeted dabbing delivers relief without carrying the hazards of swallowing or overuse. From what I’ve seen, even topical use shouldn’t exceed tiny amounts—most professionals use just enough to dampen a cotton bud, pressing gently against the problem spot.

Why Dosing and Method Matter

Getting sloppy with a phenol product can be dangerous. The stuff numbs fast but carries risks. Accidental swallowing, even at low dilutions, can make people nauseated or dizzy. With enough exposure, phenol can even depress the central nervous system or cause lasting tissue injury. A colleague once shared a story about a patient who ignored instructions and ended up with raw, peeling gums. That stuck with me as a lesson in respecting chemistry even in routine care.

Experience shows that simple, patient-focused instructions cut down these mistakes. Handing written directions and talking through use with each patient make a difference. Healthcare workers must watch for allergies—some people react badly to phenol products, even with small amounts.

Adapting Practice to Minimize Risks

To keep patients safe, clinics and pharmacies stick to small pre-measured vials or dose cups. Staff always double-check the instructions, emphasizing “dab, don’t swallow.” I’ve watched nurses demonstrate the application for anxious parents whose kids complain of mouth ulcers. Clear communication, plain language, and a hands-on approach seem to prevent most mishaps.

On the pharmacy shelf, the best products display the concentration right on the label. Some brands include coloring so spills don’t go unnoticed. It’s not just about treating pain—responsible providers make sure every step minimizes risk, from clear packaging to follow-up calls.

Looking Toward Better Standards

Regulators and health professionals still push for greater consistency in dosing. Standardized droppers and strict labeling support safer use everywhere. Digital health records help clinics track and flag frequent users, guarding against accidental overuse. Evidence keeps moving daily practice closer to a place where relief and safety go hand in hand. Every healthcare worker should insist on careful measurement and personal demonstration—because pain relief loses all value if the remedy leaves a bigger problem behind.

Phenol-Glycerol
Phenol-Glycerol
Names
Preferred IUPAC name 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane-1,2,3-triol
Other names Liquefied phenol
Phenol, liquefied
Liquefied carbolic acid
Pronunciation /ˈfiːnɒl-ˈɡlɪsərɒl/
Identifiers
CAS Number 108-95-2
Beilstein Reference 1851417
ChEBI CHEBI:24485
ChEMBL CHEMBL17228
ChemSpider 73012
DrugBank DB11147
ECHA InfoCard 100.028.251
EC Number 200-431-7
Gmelin Reference 210571
KEGG C02586
MeSH D005966
PubChem CID 7511
RTECS number SL8575000
UNII 48I5M177GH
UN number UN2810
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) DTXSID1041548
Properties
Chemical formula C9H12O4
Molar mass 316.36 g/mol
Appearance Clear, colorless, viscous liquid
Odor Characteristic odor
Density 1.18 g/cm³
Solubility in water miscible
log P 0.09
Vapor pressure 0.03 mmHg (25°C)
Acidity (pKa) 9.98
Basicity (pKb) 8.94
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) -6.5e-6
Refractive index (nD) 1.5160
Viscosity 15-25 cP
Dipole moment 3.07 D
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) 229.3 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) -466.3 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) -5054.8 kJ/mol
Pharmacology
ATC code R02AA20
Hazards
Main hazards Harmful if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, toxic if inhaled.
GHS labelling GHS02, GHS05, GHS06, GHS08
Pictograms `GHS05, GHS06`
Signal word Danger
Hazard statements H301 + H311 + H331: Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects. H373: May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Precautionary statements P264, P280, P301+P330+P331, P305+P351+P338, P308+P313
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) 2-2-0-A
Flash point 79.4 °C
Autoignition temperature 370°C
Explosive limits Explosive limits: 1.8–8.6%
Lethal dose or concentration Lethal dose or concentration (LD50 or LC50) for Phenol-Glycerol: **LD50 (oral, rat): 317 mg/kg (for phenol)**
LD50 (median dose) LD50 (median dose): 1,200 mg/kg (oral, rat)
NIOSH SJ3325000
PEL (Permissible) 5 ppm
REL (Recommended) 75%
IDLH (Immediate danger) 250 ppm
Related compounds
Related compounds Phenol
Glycerol
Monoesters
Polyols