Phenols

Phenols are a class of compounds obtained from benzene and its derivatives by the substitution of one or more hydrogen atoms of the Benzene ring [Benzene] by hydroxyl (HO) groups. According to the number of hydrogen atoms so replaced, we obtain mono-, di-, or tri-hydric phenols, common examples of which are carbolic acid, hydroquinone, andpyrogallic acid respectively. Although analogous to alcohols to some extent, they differ from these compounds in possessing acidic properties. 'I hey may be prepared by i number of general syntheses, and include very many of both chemically and technically important compounds.