Phenols/phenoxy acids

Phenols are a group of aromatic chemicals containing one phenyl ring with an attached hydroxyl group. They are colorless-to-white solids with a sickly sweet odor. Phenols are used to make plastics and as a disinfectant in both household cleaning products and consumer products, such as mouthwashes. Some are used as fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, or pesticides.

Page last reviewed: August 14, 2008