Phenol is both a manufactured chemical and a natural substance. It is a colorless-to-white solid when pure. The commercial product is a liquid. Phenol has a distinct odor that is sickeningly sweet and tarry.You can taste and smell phenol at levels lower than those that are associated with harmful effects. Phenol evaporates more slowly than water, and a moderate amount can form a solution with water. Phenol can catch fire. Phenol is used primarily in the production of phenolic resins and in the manufacture of nylon and other synthetic fibers. It is also used in slimicides (chemicals that kill bacteria and fungi in slimes), as a disinfectant and antiseptic, and in medicinal preparations such as mouthwash and sore throat lozenges.

Phenol is an important organic chemical raw material. It can be used to prepare chemical products and intermediates such as phenolic resin, caprolactam, bisphenol A, salicylic acid, picric acid, pentachlorophenol, 2,4-D, adipic acid, phenolphthalein and N-acetyl ethoxyaniline. It plays an important role in the industries of chemical raw materials, alkylphenols, synthetic fibers, plastics, synthetic rubber, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, fragrances, dyes, coatings and oil refining.In addition, phenol can also be used as a solvent, laboratory reagent and disinfectant.