Phenol (C6H5OH), also called carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene, or phenylic acid, is a hygroscopic crystalline solid at room temperature, with a melting point of 40.5°C, a boiling point of 181.7°C, and a density of 1.07 g/cm3. It has a formula weight of 94.11 and a distinctive sweet, medicinal odor. Because pure phenol solidifies below its melting point, Lab Alley sells it liquified, mixed with a small amount of water so it stays a workable liquid at room temperature. Per Lab Alley's own safety data sheets, liquified phenol causes severe skin burns and eye damage, is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin, or inhaled, and is suspected of causing genetic defects, with repeated exposure affecting the liver, kidney, blood, and central nervous system. This is a chemical that demands real PPE, not casual handling.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Phenol is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic, one of the oldest known antimicrobial agents, a chemical intermediate in organic synthesis, a reagent in biological and analytical testing, and an ingredient in some pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Phenol Red is used as a pH indicator in swimming pool test kits and biological labs, and Lacto Phenol Cotton Blue Solution is used to stain and mount fungal specimens for microscopy.
GRADES EXPLAINED
Lab Grade liquified phenol, at 88%, has solid purity but is not tested against a certified standard, so it fits general laboratory and industrial use. USP Grade liquified phenol, at 90%, is tested to United States Pharmacopeia requirements, the grade to use for pharmaceutical and medical applications. Phenol Red Indicator and Lacto Phenol Cotton Blue Solution are not phenol at a different purity. They are separate, phenol containing reagent solutions formulated for specific lab uses, pH indication and fungal staining, rather than general purpose phenol.
TYPES & GRADES AT A GLANCE
WHY BUY FROM LAB ALLEY
256,000+ customers already order their chemicals from Lab Alley.
99.5% of orders ship within 1 to 2 business days, so a phenol order does not stall your production or research schedule.
98.9% inventory accuracy means the concentration and product you see in stock is what actually ships.
SDS and COA are available online for every phenol product we carry.