Based on benzene. Under normal conditions, they are solid toxic substances with a specific aroma. In modern industry, these chemical compounds play an important role. In terms of use, phenol and its derivatives are among the twenty most demanded chemical compounds in the world. They are widely used in the chemical and light industries, pharmaceuticals and energy. Therefore, the production of phenol on an industrial scale is one of the main tasks of the chemical industry.

Phenol designations

The original name of phenol is carbolic acid. Later, this compound learned the name "phenol". The formula of this substance is shown in the figure:

The phenol atoms are numbered starting from the carbon atom that is connected to the OH hydroxo group. The sequence continues in such order that the other substituted atoms receive the lowest numbers. Phenol derivatives exist as three elements whose characteristics are explained by the difference in their structural isomers. Various ortho-, meta-, paracresols are only a modification of the basic structure of the compound of the benzene ring and the hydroxyl group, the basic combination of which is phenol. The formula of this substance in chemical notation looks like C 6 H 5 OH.

Physical properties of phenol

Visually, phenol is a solid colorless crystals. In the open air, they oxidize, giving the substance a characteristic pink hue. Under normal conditions, phenol is rather poorly soluble in water, but with an increase in temperature to 70 ° C, this figure increases sharply. In alkaline solutions, this substance is soluble in any quantities and at any temperature.

These properties are also preserved in other compounds, the main component of which is phenols.

Chemical properties

The unique properties of phenol are explained by its internal structure. In the molecule of this chemical, the p-orbital of oxygen forms a single p-system with the benzene ring. This tight interaction increases the electron density of the aromatic ring and lowers that of the oxygen atom. In this case, the polarity of the bonds of the hydroxo group increases significantly, and the hydrogen in its composition is easily replaced by any alkali metal. This is how various phenolates are formed. These compounds do not decompose with water, like alcoholates, but their solutions are very similar to salts of strong bases and weak acids, so they have a fairly pronounced alkaline reaction. Phenolates interact with various acids, as a result of the reaction, phenols are reduced. The chemical properties of this compound allow it to interact with acids, thus forming esters. For example, the interaction of phenol and acetic acid leads to the formation of phenyl ester (phenyacetate).

The nitration reaction is widely known, in which, under the influence of 20% nitric acid, phenol forms a mixture of para- and orthonitrophenols. If phenol is treated with concentrated nitric acid, 2,4,6-trinitrophenol is obtained, which is sometimes called picric acid.

Phenol in nature

As an independent substance, phenol is found in nature in coal tar and in certain grades of oil. But for industrial needs, this amount does not play any role. Therefore, obtaining phenol artificially has become a priority for many generations of scientists. Fortunately, this problem was solved and artificial phenol was obtained as a result.

properties, getting

The use of various halogens makes it possible to obtain phenolates, from which benzene is formed during further processing. For example, heating sodium hydroxide and chlorobenzene produces sodium phenolate, which decomposes into salt, water, and phenol when exposed to acid. The formula for this reaction is given here:

C 6 H 5 -CI + 2NaOH -> C 6 H 5 -ONa + NaCl + H 2 O

Aromatic sulfonic acids are also a source for the production of benzene. The chemical reaction is carried out with the simultaneous melting of alkali and sulfonic acid. As can be seen from the reaction, phenoxides are formed first. When treated with strong acids, they are reduced to polyhydric phenols.

Phenol in industry

In theory, obtaining phenol in the simplest and most promising way looks like this: using a catalyst, benzene is oxidized with oxygen. But so far, the catalyst for this reaction has not been found. Therefore, other methods are currently used in industry.

A continuous industrial method for producing phenol consists in the interaction of chlorobenzene and 7% sodium hydroxide solution. The resulting mixture is passed through a one and a half kilometer system of pipes heated to a temperature of 300 C. Under the influence of temperature and maintained high pressure, the starting materials react to obtain 2,4-dinitrophenol and other products.

Not so long ago, an industrial method for obtaining phenol-containing substances by the cumene method was developed. This process consists of two stages. First, isopropylbenzene (cumene) is obtained from benzene. To do this, benzene is alkylated with propylene. The reaction looks like this:

After that, the cumene is oxidized with oxygen. The output of the second reaction is phenol and another important product, acetone.

Production of phenol on an industrial scale is possible from toluene. To do this, toluene is oxidized on the oxygen contained in the air. The reaction proceeds in the presence of a catalyst.

Examples of phenols

The closest homologues of phenols are called cresols.

There are three types of cresols. Meta-cresol under normal conditions is a liquid, para-cresol and ortho-cresol are solids. All cresols are poorly soluble in water, and in their chemical properties they are almost similar to phenol. Cresols are naturally found in coal tar, they are used in industry in the production of dyes and some types of plastics.

Examples of dihydric phenols are para-, ortho- and meta-hydrobenzenes. All of them are solids, readily soluble in water.

The only representative of trihydric phenol is pyrogallol (1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene). Its formula is shown below.

Pyrogallol is a fairly strong reducing agent. It is easily oxidized, so it is used to obtain gases purified from oxygen. This substance is well known to photographers, it is used as a developer.

Phenols - organic substances whose molecules contain a phenyl radical associated with one or more hydroxo groups. Just like alcohols phenols classify by atomicity, i.e. by the number of hydroxyl groups.

Monatomic phenols contain one hydroxyl group in the molecule:

Polyhydric phenols contain more than one hydroxyl group in the molecules:

There are also polyhydric phenols containing three or more hydroxyl groups in the benzene ring.

Let's get acquainted in more detail with the structure and properties of the simplest representative of this class - phenol C 6 H 5 OH. The name of this substance formed the basis for the name of the entire cash register - phenols.

Physical properties of phenol

Phenol is a solid, colorless crystalline substance, melting point=43°C, boiling point=181°C, with a sharp characteristic odor. Poisonous. Phenol slightly dissolves in water at room temperature. An aqueous solution of phenol is called carbolic acid. On contact with the skin, it causes burns, therefore, phenol must be handled very carefully!

Chemical properties of phenol

Phenols are more active in most O–H bond reactions, since this bond is more polar due to the shift of the electron density from the oxygen atom towards the benzene ring (participation of the lone electron pair of the oxygen atom in the p-conjugation system). The acidity of phenols is much higher than that of alcohols. For phenols, C-O bond breaking reactions are not typical, since the oxygen atom is firmly bonded to the carbon atom of the benzene ring due to the participation of its lone electron pair in the conjugation system. The mutual influence of atoms in the phenol molecule is manifested not only in the behavior of the hydroxy group, but also in the greater reactivity of the benzene ring. The hydroxyl group increases the electron density in the benzene ring, especially in the ortho and para positions (OH groups)

Acid properties of phenol

The hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group is acidic. Because Since the acidic properties of phenol are more pronounced than those of water and alcohols, then phenol reacts not only with alkali metals, but also with alkalis to form phenolates:

The acidity of phenols depends on the nature of the substituents (electron density donor or acceptor), position relative to the OH group, and the number of substituents. The greatest influence on the OH-acidity of phenols is exerted by groups located in the ortho- and para-positions. Donors increase the strength of the O-H bond (thereby reducing hydrogen mobility and acidic properties), acceptors reduce the strength of the O-H bond, while acidity increases:

However, the acidic properties of phenol are less pronounced than those of inorganic and carboxylic acids. So, for example, the acidic properties of phenol are about 3000 times less than those of carbonic acid. Therefore, by passing carbon dioxide through an aqueous solution of sodium phenolate, free phenol can be isolated.

Adding hydrochloric or sulfuric acid to an aqueous solution of sodium phenolate also leads to the formation of phenol:

Qualitative reaction to phenol

Phenol reacts with iron(3) chloride to form an intensely purple complex compound. This reaction allows it to be detected even in very limited quantities. Other phenols containing one or more hydroxyl groups in the benzene ring also give a bright blue-violet color. in reaction with iron(3) chloride.

Reactions of the benzene ring of phenol

The presence of a hydroxyl substituent greatly facilitates the course of electrophilic substitution reactions in the benzene ring.

1. Bromination of phenol. Unlike benzene, phenol bromination does not require the addition of a catalyst (iron(3) bromide). In addition, the interaction with phenol proceeds selectively (selectively): bromine atoms are sent to ortho- and pair- positions, replacing the hydrogen atoms located there. The selectivity of the substitution is explained by the features of the electronic structure of the phenol molecule discussed above.

So, when phenol interacts with bromine water, a white precipitate of 2,4,6-tribromophenol is formed:

This reaction, as well as the reaction with iron(3) chloride, serves to qualitative detection of phenol.

2.Phenol nitration also occurs more easily than the nitration of benzene. The reaction with dilute nitric acid proceeds at room temperature. The result is a mixture ortho- and paro isomers of nitrophenol:

When using concentrated nitric acid, 2,4,6, trinitritephenol-picric acid, an explosive is formed:

3. Hydrogenation of the aromatic ring of phenol in the presence of a catalyst passes easily:

4.Polycondensation of phenol with aldehydes, in particular, with formaldehyde occurs with the formation of reaction products - phenol-formaldehyde resins and solid polymers.

The interaction of phenol with formaldehyde can be described by the scheme:

The dimer molecule retains “mobile” hydrogen atoms, which means that the reaction can be continued further with a sufficient amount of reagents:

Reaction polycondensation, those. the polymer production reaction, proceeding with the release of a low molecular weight by-product (water), can continue further (until one of the reagents is completely consumed) with the formation of huge macromolecules. The process can be described by the overall equation:

The formation of linear molecules occurs at ordinary temperature. Carrying out the same reaction during heating leads to the fact that the resulting product has a branched structure, it is solid and insoluble in water. As a result of heating a linear phenol-formaldehyde resin with an excess of aldehyde, solid plastic masses with unique properties are obtained. Polymers based on phenol-formaldehyde resins are used for the manufacture of varnishes and paints, plastic products that are resistant to heating, cooling, water, alkalis, acids. They have high dielectric properties. Polymers based on phenol-formaldehyde resins are used to make the most critical and important parts of electrical appliances, power unit cases and machine parts, the polymer base of printed circuit boards for radio devices. Adhesives based on phenol-formaldehyde resins are able to reliably connect parts of various nature, maintaining the highest bond strength in a very wide temperature range. Such an adhesive is used to attach the metal base of lighting lamps to a glass bulb. Thus, phenol and products based on it are widely used.

The use of phenols

Phenol is a solid substance with a characteristic odor that causes burns when it comes into contact with the skin. Poisonous. It dissolves in water, its solution is called carbolic acid (antiseptic). She was the first antiseptic introduced into surgery. It is widely used for the production of plastics, medicines (salicylic acid and its derivatives), dyes, explosives.

1. Phenols- derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons, in the molecules of which the hydroxyl group (-OH) is directly bonded to carbon atoms in the benzene ring.

2. Classification of phenols

There are one-, two-, three-atomic phenols depending on the number of OH groups in the molecule:

In accordance with the number of fused aromatic cycles in the molecule, phenols themselves are distinguished (one aromatic ring - benzene derivatives), naphthols (2 fused rings - naphthalene derivatives), anthranols (3 fused rings - anthracene derivatives) and phenantrols:

3. Isomerism and nomenclature of phenols

There are 2 types of isomerism:

• isomerism of the position of substituents in the benzene ring

• side chain isomerism (structures of the alkyl radical and number of radicals)

For phenols, trivial names that have developed historically are widely used. Prefixes are also used in the names of substituted mononuclear phenols ortho-,meta- and pair -, used in the nomenclature of aromatic compounds. For more complex compounds, the atoms that make up the aromatic rings are numbered and the position of the substituents is indicated using digital indices.

4. The structure of the molecule

Phenyl group C 6 H 5 - and hydroxyl -OH mutually influence each other

• the lone electron pair of the oxygen atom is attracted by the 6-electron cloud of the benzene ring, due to which the O–H bond is even more polarized. Phenol is a stronger acid than water and alcohols.

• In the benzene ring, the symmetry of the electron cloud is broken, the electron density increases in positions 2, 4, 6. This makes C-H bonds in positions 2, 4, 6 more reactive. and - bonds of the benzene ring.

5. Physical properties

Most monohydric phenols under normal conditions are colorless crystalline substances with a low melting point and a characteristic odor. Phenols are poorly soluble in water, readily soluble in organic solvents, toxic, and gradually darken when stored in air as a result of oxidation.

Phenol C 6 H 5 OH (carbolic acid ) - a colorless crystalline substance oxidizes in air and becomes pink, at ordinary temperatures it is sparingly soluble in water, above 66 ° C it is miscible with water in any ratio. Phenol is a toxic substance, causes skin burns, is an antiseptic.

6. Toxic properties

Phenol is poisonous. Causes dysfunction of the nervous system. Dust, vapors and phenol solution irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. Once in the body, Phenol is absorbed very quickly even through intact skin areas and after a few minutes begins to act on brain tissue. First, there is a short-term excitation, and then paralysis of the respiratory center. Even when exposed to minimal doses of phenol, sneezing, coughing, headache, dizziness, pallor, nausea, and loss of strength are observed. Severe cases of poisoning are characterized by unconsciousness, cyanosis, shortness of breath, corneal insensitivity, fast, barely perceptible pulse, cold sweat, often convulsions. Often phenol is the cause of cancer.

7. Application of phenols

1. Production of synthetic resins, plastics, polyamides

2. Medicines

3. Dyes

4. Surfactants

5. Antioxidants

6. Antiseptics

7. Explosives

8. Obtaining phenol in industry

one). Cumene method for the production of phenol (USSR, Sergeev P.G., Udris R.Yu., Kruzhalov B.D., 1949). Advantages of the method: non-waste technology (yield of useful products > 99%) and economy. Currently, the cumene method is used as the main one in the world production of phenol.

2). From coal tar (as a by-product - low yield):

C 6 H 5 ONa + H 2 SO 4 (razb) → C 6 H 5 - OH + NaHSO 4

sodium phenolate

(product imageresin bootscaustic soda)

3). From halobenzenes :

From 6 H 5 -Cl + NaOH t , p→ C 6 H 5 - OH + NaCl

4). Fusion of salts of aromatic sulfonic acids with solid alkalis :

C 6 H 5 -SO 3 Na + NaOH t → Na 2 SO 3 + C 6 H 5 - OH

sodium salt

benzenesulfonic acids

9. Chemical properties of phenol (carbolic acid)

I . Properties of the hydroxyl group

Acid properties- are more pronounced than that of saturated alcohols (the color of the indicators does not change):

• with active metals-

2C 6 H 5 -OH + 2Na → 2C 6 H 5 -ONa + H 2

sodium phenolate

• With alkalis-

C 6 H 5 -OH + NaOH (aqueous solution)↔ C 6 H 5 -ONa + H 2 O

! Phenolates - salts of a weak carbolic acid, decomposed by carbonic acid -

C 6 H 5 -ONa + H 2 O +WithO 2 → C 6 H 5 -OH + NaHCO 3

In terms of acidic properties, phenol is 10 times superior to ethanol. At the same time, it is inferior to acetic acid by the same amount. Unlike carboxylic acids, phenol cannot displace carbonic acid from its salts.

C 6 H 5 - Oh + NaHCO 3 = the reaction does not go - being perfectly soluble in aqueous solutions of alkalis, it actually does not dissolve in an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate.

The acidic properties of phenol are enhanced under the influence of electron-withdrawing groups associated with the benzene ring ( NO 2 - , Br - )

2,4,6-trinitrophenol or picric acid is stronger than carbonic

II . Properties of the benzene ring

1). The mutual influence of atoms in the phenol molecule is manifested not only in the behavior of the hydroxy group (see above), but also in the greater reactivity of the benzene ring. The hydroxyl group increases the electron density in the benzene ring, especially in ortho- and pair- provisions (+ M-effect of OH-group):

Therefore, phenol is much more active than benzene in electrophilic substitution reactions in the aromatic ring.

• Nitration. Under the action of 20% nitric acid HNO 3, phenol is easily converted into a mixture ortho- and pair- nitrophenols:

When using concentrated HNO 3, 2,4,6-trinitrophenol is formed ( picric acid):

• Halogenation. Phenol easily interacts with bromine water at room temperature to form a white precipitate of 2,4,6-tribromophenol (qualitative reaction for phenol):

• Condensation with aldehydes. For example:

2). Phenol hydrogenation

C 6 H 5 -OH + 3H 2 Ni, 170ºC→ C 6 H 11 - OH cyclohexyl alcohol (cyclohexanol)

DEFINITION

Phenols- derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons, in the molecules of which the hydroxyl groups are directly bonded to the carbon atoms of the benzene ring. The functional group, like alcohols, is OH.

Phenol is a solid colorless crystalline substance, low melting point, very hygroscopic, with a characteristic odor. In air, phenol oxidizes, so its crystals initially acquire a pinkish tint (Fig. 1), and darken and become more red during long-term storage. It is slightly soluble in water at room temperature, but dissolves quickly and well at 60 - 70 o C. Phenol is fusible, its melting point is 43 o C. Poisonous.

Rice. 1. Phenol. Appearance.

Getting phenol

On an industrial scale, phenol is obtained from coal tar. Among the laboratory methods most often used are the following:

– hydrolysis of chlorobenzene

C 6 H 5 Cl + NaOH→C 6 H 5 OH + NaCl (kat = Cu, t 0).

— alkaline melting of salts of arenesulfonic acids

C 6 H 5 SO 3 Na + 2NaOH → C 6 H 5 OH + Na 2 SO 3 + H 2 O (t 0).

– cumene method (oxidation of isopropylbenzene)

C 6 H 5 -C (CH 3) H-CH 3 + O 2 → C 6 H 5 OH + CH 3 -C (O) -CH 3 (H +, t 0).

Chemical properties of phenol

Chemical transformations of phenol proceed mainly with splitting:

1) O-N connections

- interaction with metals

2C 6 H 5 OH + 2Na→ 2C 6 H 5 ONa + H 2 .

- interaction with alkalis

C 6 H 5 OH + NaOH → C 6 H 5 ONa + H 2 O.

— interaction with anhydrides of carboxylic acids

C 6 H 5 -OH + Cl-C (O) -O-C (O) -CH 3 → C 6 H 5 -O-C (O) -CH 3 + CH 3 COOH (t 0).

- interaction with carboxylic acid halides

C 6 H 5 -OH + Cl-C (O) -CH 3 → C 6 H 5 -O-C (O) -CH 3 + HCl (t 0).

- interaction with FeCl 3 (qualitative reaction to phenol - the appearance of a purple color that disappears when acid is added)

6C 6 H 5 OH + FeCl 3 → (C 6 H 5 OH) 3 + 3Cl -.

2) connections C sp 2 -H predominantly in about- and n-provisions

- bromination

C 6 H 5 -OH + 3Br 2 (aq) →Br 3 -C 6 H 2 -OH ↓ + 3HBr.

- nitration (formation of picric acid)

C 6 H 5 -OH + 3HONO 2 (conc) → (NO 2) 3 -C 6 H 2 -OH + 3H 2 O (H +).

3) a single 6π-electron cloud of the benzene ring

– hydrogenation

C 6 H 5 OH + 3H 2 → C 6 H 11 -OH (kat \u003d Ni, t 0 \u003d 130 - 150, p \u003d 5 - 20 atm).

Application of phenol

Phenol is used in large quantities for the production of dyes, phenol-formaldehyde plastics, and medicinal substances.

Of the dihydric phenols, resorcinol is used in medicine as an antiseptic and a substance for some clinical tests, and hydroquinone and other diatomic phenols are used as developers in the processing of photographic materials.

In medicine, lysol, which includes various phenols, is used to disinfect rooms and furniture.

Some phenols are used as antioxidants - substances that prevent food spoilage during long-term storage (fats, oils, food concentrates).

Examples of problem solving

EXAMPLE 1

EXAMPLE 2

They can be found in nature, but those that are obtained artificially are best known to man. They are now widely used in the chemical industry, construction, plastics and even medicine. Due to the high toxic properties, the stability of its compounds and the ability to penetrate the human body through the skin and respiratory organs, phenol poisoning often occurs. Therefore, this substance was classified as a highly dangerous toxic compound and its use was strictly regulated.

What are phenols

Naturally occurring and artificially produced. Natural phenols can be useful - it is an antioxidant, polyphenols, which make some plants healing for humans. And synthetic phenols are toxic substances. If it comes into contact with the skin, they cause a burn, if they enter the human body, they cause severe poisoning. These complex compounds, related to volatile aromatic hydrocarbons, pass into a gaseous state already at a temperature of just over 40 degrees. But under normal conditions, it is a transparent crystalline substance with a specific smell.

The definition of phenol is studied at school in the course of organic chemistry. This refers to its composition, molecular structure and harmful properties. Many do not know anything about the natural substances of this group, which play a large role in nature. How can phenol be characterized? The composition of this chemical compound is very simple: a molecule of the benzoic group, hydrogen and oxygen.

Types of phenols

These substances are present in many plants. They provide color to their stems, scent flowers, or repel pests. There are also synthetic compounds that are poisonous. These substances include:

1. Natural phenolic compounds are capsaicin, eugenol, flavonoids, lignins and others.
2. The most famous and poisonous phenol is carbolic acid.
3. Compounds butylphenol, chlorophenol.
4. Creosote, Lysol and others.

But basically, only two names are known to ordinary people: and phenol itself.

Properties of these compounds

These chemicals are not only toxic. They are used by people for a reason. To determine what qualities phenol has, the composition is very important. The combination of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen gives it special properties. That is why phenol is so widely used by man. The properties of this connection are:

The role of phenols in nature

These substances are found in many plants. They are involved in creating their color and aroma. Capsaicin gives hot peppers its pungency. Anthocyanins and flavonoids color the bark of trees, while ketol or eugenol provide fragrance to the flowers. Some plants contain polyphenols, substances formed by the combination of several phenol molecules. They are beneficial to human health. Polyphenols include lignins, flavonoids, and others. These substances are found in olive oil, fruits, nuts, tea, chocolate and other foods. It is believed that some of them have a rejuvenating effect and protect the body from cancer. But there are also poisonous compounds: tannins, urushiol, carbolic acid.

The harm of phenols to humans

This substance and all its derivatives easily penetrate the body through the skin and lungs. In the blood, phenol forms compounds with other substances and becomes even more toxic. The higher its concentration in the body, the more harm it can cause. Phenol disrupts the activity of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, affects the liver and kidneys. It destroys red blood cells, causes allergic reactions and ulcers.

Most often, phenol poisoning occurs through drinking water, as well as through the air in rooms in which its derivatives were used in construction, paint or furniture production.

When inhaled, its compounds cause irritation of the nasopharynx and even pulmonary edema. If phenol gets on the skin, a severe chemical burn is obtained, after which poorly healing ulcers develop. And if more than a quarter of a person's skin is affected, this leads to his death. In case of accidental ingestion of small doses of phenol, for example, with contaminated water, stomach ulcers, incoordination, infertility, heart failure, bleeding and cancerous tumors develop. Large doses immediately lead to death.

Where are phenols used?

After the discovery of this substance, its ability to change color in air was discovered. This quality began to be used for the production of dyes. But then other properties were discovered. And the substance phenol has become widely used in human activities:

Application in medicine

When the bactericidal properties of phenol were discovered, it was widely used in medicine. Mainly for disinfection of premises, tools and even the hands of personnel. In addition, phenols are the main components of some popular drugs: aspirin, purgen, drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis, fungal diseases and various antiseptics, such as xeroform.

Now phenol is often used in cosmetology for deep skin peeling. In this case, its property is used to burn the upper layer of the epidermis.

The use of phenol for disinfection

There is also a special preparation in the form of an ointment and a solution for external use. It is used to disinfect things and surfaces in the room, tools and linen. Under the supervision of a doctor, phenol is used to treat genital warts, pyoderma, impetigo, folliculitis, purulent wounds and other skin diseases. The solution in combination with is used for disinfection of premises, soaking linen. If you mix it with kerosene or turpentine, then it acquires pest control properties.

Large areas of the skin, as well as rooms intended for cooking and storing food, cannot be treated with phenol.

How can you get poisoned with phenol

The lethal dosage of this substance for an adult can be from 1 g, and for a child - 0.05 g. Phenol poisoning can occur for the following reasons:

• in case of non-observance of safety precautions when working with toxic substances;
• in case of an accident;
• in case of non-compliance with the dosage of medicines;
• when using plastic products with phenol, such as toys or dishes;
• with improper storage of household chemicals.

In acute cases, they are immediately visible and you can help the person. But the danger of phenol is that when small doses are received, this can be overlooked. Therefore, if a person lives in a room where finishing materials, paints and varnishes or furniture that emit phenol were used, chronic poisoning occurs.

Symptoms of poisoning

It is very important to recognize the problem in time. This will help to start treatment on time and prevent death. The main symptoms are the same as for any other poisoning: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness. But there are also characteristic signs by which you can find out that a person was poisoned with phenol:

• characteristic odor from the mouth;
• fainting;
• a sharp decrease in body temperature;
• dilated pupils;
• pallor;
• dyspnea;
• cold sweat;
• decrease in heart rate and blood pressure;
• stomach ache;
• bloody diarrhea;
• white patches on the lips.

You also need to know the signs of chronic poisoning. When small doses enter the body, there are no pronounced signs of this. But phenol undermines the state of health. Symptoms of chronic poisoning are:

• frequent migraines, headaches;
• nausea;
• dermatitis and allergic reactions;
• insomnia;
• intestinal disorders;
• severe fatigue;
• irritability.

First aid and poisoning treatment

The victim must be given first aid and taken to the doctor as soon as possible. The measures to be taken immediately after contact with phenol depend on the place of its entry into the body:

1. In case of contact with the skin, rinse with plenty of water, do not treat burns with ointment or fat.
2. If phenol gets on the oral mucosa - rinse, do not swallow anything.
3. If it enters the stomach, drink a sorbent, for example, coal, "Polysorb", it is not recommended to wash the stomach in order to avoid burning the mucous membrane.

In a medical institution, the treatment of poisoning is complex and lengthy. Lung ventilation, disintoxication therapy is carried out, an antidote is introduced - calcium gluconate, sorbents, antibiotics, heart drugs are used,

Safety rules when using phenols

Sanitary and epidemiological standards in all countries have established the maximum permissible level of phenol concentration in indoor air. A safe dose is 0.6 mg per 1 kg of human weight. But these standards do not take into account that with regular intake of even such a concentration of phenol in the body, it gradually accumulates and can cause serious harm to health. This substance can be released into the air from plastic products, paints, furniture, building and finishing materials, and cosmetics. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor the composition of the purchased products and, if there is an unpleasant sweet smell from some thing, it is better to get rid of it. When using phenol for disinfection, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage and rules for storing solutions.