carbolsyre

Carbolsyre, also known as carbolic acid or phenol, is an aromatic hydroxy compound with the formula C6H5OH. It is a colorless to pale pink crystalline solid that boils at about 182°C and has a melting point around 41°C. Phenol is moderately soluble in water and is weakly acidic, with a pKa near 10. It reacts with strong bases to form phenoxide salts and can be oxidized to quinones by strong oxidizers.

Carbolsyre occurs naturally in coal tar and is produced commercially mainly by the cumene process. In this route, benzene and propylene form cumene, which is oxidized to cumene hydroperoxide and then cleaved under acidic conditions to yield phenol and acetone. Historically, phenol was obtained by destructive distillation of coal tar.

Uses of carbolsyre are diverse. It is a key precursor to phenolic resins used in coatings, laminates, and molded plastics. It is a feedstock for the production of bisphenol A, which in turn is used to manufacture polycarbonates and epoxy resins. Phenol also serves as a solvent and as a reagent in various chemical syntheses. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, phenol gained prominence as an antiseptic and disinfectant, notably in Joseph Lister’s surgical antisepsis, though its use is now limited due to safety concerns.

Safety and handling are critical. Carbolsyre is corrosive to skin and mucous membranes and is harmful if ingested or inhaled. It can cause burns and systemic toxicity with prolonged exposure. It is toxic to aquatic life. Handling requires appropriate PPE, good ventilation, and storage in tightly closed containers away from bases and strong oxidizers.