Phenol

Abstract

Phenol is a basic chemical that is produced in many countries. It has a wide range of high-tonnage uses rn the production of phenol-formaldehyde, phenol-furfuryl and other resins. Because of its chemical reactivity, it is used as a raw material in the production of adipic acid, caprolactam and bisphenol-A. Phenol is also used as a component in dyes and insecticides. The technological process described below is based on the well-known cumene route. In this process, another important product - acetone - is produced. This is an important raw material used in methyl methacrylate and bisphenol-A production, and is widely used as a solvent and flotation agent.