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Benzene vs. Phenol: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 11, 2024
Benzene is a colorless, volatile, and flammable hydrocarbon with a distinct sweet smell; Phenol is a mildly acidic, white crystalline solid, derived from benzene, with antiseptic properties.
Benzene vs. Phenol

Key Differences

Benzene is an organic chemical compound with the formula C6H6, comprising six carbon atoms arranged in a ring with one hydrogen atom attached to each carbon. It is a fundamental compound in organic chemistry, used as a precursor for various chemicals. Phenol, on the other hand, is a derivative of benzene where one of the hydrogen atoms in the benzene ring is replaced by a hydroxyl group (OH), giving it the formula C6H5OH. This structural difference makes phenol distinct in properties from benzene.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 11, 2024
Benzene is primarily used as a starting material in the synthesis of polymers, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber, dyes, detergents, and drugs. Its applications stem from its simplicity and symmetry in structure. Phenol is used in the production of plastics, explosives, and pharmaceuticals. Unlike benzene, phenol's hydroxyl group contributes to its ability to participate in more diverse chemical reactions.
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Jan 11, 2024
Benzene is known for its carcinogenic properties and poses significant health risks if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It's often used in gasoline and as a solvent in many industries. Phenol also poses health risks but is unique for its antiseptic properties. It's used in low concentrations in some medical and cosmetic products for its ability to kill bacteria and fungi.
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Jan 11, 2024
Benzene is less reactive than its derivatives due to its stable ring structure, which undergoes substitution reactions rather than addition reactions. Phenol, with its hydroxyl group, is more reactive, especially towards electrophiles, and can undergo both substitution and oxidation reactions.
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Benzene has a sweet, gasoline-like odor and is less dense than water. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Phenol has a distinct, sweet, and tarry odor, is about 1.07 times denser than water, and is moderately soluble in water due to its polar nature.
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Comparison Chart

Basic Structure

Hydrocarbon ring (C6H6)
Hydrocarbon ring with a hydroxyl group (C6H5OH)
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Uses

Polymers, synthetic fibers, solvents
Plastics, explosives, antiseptics
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Health Risks

Carcinogenic, harmful if inhaled
Toxic, but also antiseptic
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Chemical Reactivity

Less reactive, undergoes substitution reactions
More reactive, undergoes substitution and oxidation
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Physical Properties

Colorless, sweet smell, insoluble in water
White, sweet-tarry smell, moderately water soluble
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Benzene and Phenol Definitions

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless and highly flammable liquid.
In laboratories, benzene must be handled with care due to its flammability.
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Phenol

Phenol is a toxic white crystalline solid with antiseptic properties.
Phenol was historically used as a disinfectant in surgeries.
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Benzene

Benzene is known for its carcinogenic properties.
Long-term exposure to benzene can lead to serious health issues, including cancer.
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Phenol

Phenol is a derivative of benzene with a hydroxyl group.
The presence of the hydroxyl group makes phenol more reactive than benzene.
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Benzene

Benzene is used as a precursor in the manufacture of various chemicals.
Many plastics are produced using benzene as a starting material.
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Phenol

Phenol is used in the production of resins and plastics.
Phenolic resins are popular in the manufacture of countertops.
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Benzene

Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with a ring-like structure.
The smell of benzene is distinct and sweet, often noticeable near gas stations.
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Phenol

Phenol can cause burns and is poisonous in high concentrations.
Industrial handling of phenol requires strict safety measures.
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Benzene

Benzene is a natural constituent of crude oil, used in chemical synthesis.
Benzene is extracted during the refining process of crude oil.
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Phenol

A caustic, poisonous, white crystalline compound, C6H6O, derived from benzene and used in resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals and in dilute form as a disinfectant. Also called carbolic acid.
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Benzene

A colorless, flammable, toxic, liquid aromatic hydrocarbon, C6H6, derived from petroleum and used in or to manufacture a wide variety of chemical products, including DDT, detergents, insecticides, and motor fuels. Also called benzol.
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Phenol

Any of a class of aromatic organic compounds having at least one hydroxyl group attached directly to the benzene ring.
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Benzene

(organic compound) An aromatic hydrocarbon of formula C6H6 whose structure consists of a ring of alternate single and double bonds.
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Phenol

A caustic, poisonous, white crystalline compound, C6H5OH, derived from benzene and used in resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals and in dilute form as a disinfectant and antiseptic; once called carbolic acid
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Benzene

Sometimes used in place of the phenyl group.
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Phenol

Any of a class of aromatic organic compounds having at least one hydroxyl group attached directly to the benzene ring (or other aromatic ring)
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Benzene

A volatile, very inflammable liquid, C6H6, contained in the naphtha produced by the destructive distillation of coal, from which it is separated by fractional distillation. The name is sometimes applied also to the impure commercial product or benzole, and also, but rarely, to a similar mixed product of petroleum.
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Phenol

A white or pinkish crystalline substance, C6H5OH, produced by the destructive distillation of many organic bodies, as wood, coal, etc., and obtained from the heavy oil from coal tar.
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Benzene

A colorless liquid hydrocarbon; highly inflammable; carcinogenic; the simplest of the aromatic compounds
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Phenol

Any one of the series of hydroxyl derivatives of which phenol proper is the type.
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Phenol

Any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds; molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups
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Phenol

A toxic white soluble crystalline acidic derivative of benzene; used in manufacturing and as a disinfectant and antiseptic; poisonous if taken internally
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Phenol

Phenol is moderately soluble in water and has a distinct odor.
The smell of phenol is often described as sweet and tar-like.
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Dec 28, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is benzene?

Benzene is a colorless, volatile hydrocarbon with a sweet smell, used in chemical synthesis.
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Jan 11, 2024

What are the uses of phenol?

Phenol is used in the production of plastics, explosives, and as an antiseptic.
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What is the primary difference between benzene and phenol?

Phenol has a hydroxyl group attached to the benzene ring, altering its chemical properties.
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Can phenol be found in household products?

Yes, in low concentrations, phenol is used in some medical and cosmetic products.
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What are the environmental concerns with benzene?

Benzene is a pollutant and poses a risk to the environment, especially in water and air.
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Is phenol used in medicine?

Yes, in low concentrations, phenol has antiseptic properties useful in some medical applications.
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Is benzene dangerous?

Yes, benzene is carcinogenic and can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
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How is benzene obtained?

Benzene is obtained from coal tar and as a byproduct of oil refining.
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What safety precautions are necessary when handling benzene?

Use of protective equipment and ventilation is essential due to its toxicity and flammability.
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Can phenol be used as a pesticide?

Historically, phenol was used as a pesticide, but this is less common now due to toxicity concerns.
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What are the primary health risks of phenol exposure?

Phenol can be toxic, causing organ damage and skin burns upon exposure.
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How is benzene disposed of safely?

Benzene waste requires special handling and disposal procedures to prevent environmental contamination.
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Can benzene and phenol be used interchangeably?

No, due to their different chemical properties and reactivities, they have specific uses.
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Why is benzene used in the manufacture of plastics?

Its chemical structure makes it a versatile precursor for various types of polymers.
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Are benzene and phenol soluble in water?

Benzene is insoluble, while phenol is moderately soluble due to its hydroxyl group.
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What industries commonly use benzene?

The petrochemical, plastic, and synthetic fiber industries commonly use benzene.
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Is phenol biodegradable?

Phenol can be biodegraded under certain conditions, but it is generally considered a persistent environmental pollutant.
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Can phenol cause skin irritation?

Yes, phenol can cause burns and skin irritation upon contact.
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Is phenol naturally occurring?

Phenol can occur naturally, but it is also synthesized industrially.
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How does the presence of a hydroxyl group affect phenol?

It makes phenol more reactive and gives it acidic properties.
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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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