Phenols is what? Properties and composition of phenol

Phenols are organic substances related to aromatic hydrocarbons. They can be found in nature, but the ones most known to man are those that are obtained artificially. They are now widely used in the chemical industry, construction, plastics and even in medicine. Because of 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 class of highly dangerous poisonous compounds and severely regulated its use.

What are phenols

These are chemical compounds that occur in nature and are produced under artificial conditions. Natural phenols can be useful - it's an antioxidant, polyphenols, which make some plants healing for humans. And synthetic phenols are poisonous substances. If they get on the skin, they cause a burn, when penetrating the human body - a strong 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 this is a transparent crystalline substance with a specific odor.

The definition of phenol is studied at the school in the course of organic chemistry. It speaks of its composition, the structure of the molecule and its harmful properties. About natural substances of this group, which play a big role in nature, many do not know anything. How can you characterize phenol? 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 the coloring of their stems, the fragrance of 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 the carbolic acid.
3. Compounds butylphenol, chlorophenol.
4. Creosote, lysol and others.

But in general, only two names are known to ordinary people: carbolic acid and phenol proper.

Properties of these compounds

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

• It is a crystalline substance with a strong, sweetish odor;
• Interesting is the reaction of phenol to the effect of air - the crystals change their color: they first turn pink, then they acquire a brown tint;
• Phenol has a very low melting point;
• One more quality is acidity;
• Well this substance dissolves in alcohol, oil, alkalis and other organic and inorganic solvents, and only in water phenol is able to dissolve at a temperature above 70 degrees;
• For many years, the compounds of phenol do not lose their properties, therefore all products based on them for a long time retain toxic effects on humans.

The role of phenols in nature

These substances are found in many plants. They are involved in creating their color and flavor. Capsaicin gives an acuity to bitter pepper. Anthocyanins and flavonoids color the bark of trees, and ketol or eugenol provide a fragrance in flowers. Some plants contain polyphenols, substances formed by combining several molecules of phenol. They are useful for human health. Polyphenols include lignins, flavonoids, and others. These substances are in olive oil, fruits, nuts, tea, chocolate and other products. It is believed that some of them have a rejuvenating effect and protect the body from cancer. But there are toxic compounds: tannins, urushiol, carbolic acid.

Harm of phenols for 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 system, affects the liver and kidneys. It destroys erythrocytes, causes allergic reactions and the appearance of ulcers.

Most often, phenol poisoning occurs through drinking water, and also through air in the premises in which its derivatives were used in the construction, production of paint or furniture.

By inhaling its compounds, the respiratory tract is burned, nasopharyngeal irritation and even pulmonary edema occur. If the phenol is on the skin, a severe chemical burn is obtained, after which poorly healing ulcers develop. And if more than a quarter of the human integument is affected, this results in his death. In case of accidental ingestion of small doses of phenol, for example, with contaminated water, gastric ulcer develops, impaired coordination of movements, infertility, heart failure, bleeding and cancerous tumors. Large doses immediately lead to death.

Where to apply phenols

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

• For the production of paints and varnishes;
• For the treatment of animal skin in light industry;
• In the production of nylon, nylon and other synthetic fabrics;
• To protect farm animals from infections;
• In the composition of pesticides;
• When making smoke for smoking products;
• In the production of plastics;
• In the composition of detergents and cleaners.

Application in medicine

When the bactericidal properties of phenol were discovered, it was widely used in medicine. Mainly for the disinfection of rooms, 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, for example, xeroform.

Now phenol is often used in cosmetology for deep skin peeling. It uses its property to burn the upper layer of the epidermis.

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 for disinfecting 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 green soap is used for disinfection of premises, soaking clothes. If you mix it with kerosene or turpentine, it acquires disinsection properties.

You can not handle phenol extensive areas of the skin, as well as facilities designed for cooking and storing food.

How can you poison yourself with phenol

Lethal dosage of this substance for an adult can be from 1 g, and for a child - 0.05 g. Poisoning with phenol can occur for the following reasons:

• In case of non-observance of safety measures in working with toxic substances;
• In case of accident;
• When the dosage of medicines is not complied with;
• When using plastic products with phenol, for example, toys or dishes;
• At improper storage of household chemical goods.

In case of acute poisoning, the signs are visible immediately and one can help a person. But the danger of phenol is that when small doses come in, you can not notice this. Therefore, if a person lives in a room where finishing materials, paints or furniture that emit phenol are 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 a fatal outcome. The main symptoms are the same as with any other poisoning: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness. But there are also characteristic signs, by which you can find out that a man has poisoned himself with phenol:

• Characteristic odor from the mouth;
• fainting;
• A sharp drop in body temperature;
• Dilated pupils;
• pallor;
• dyspnea;
• cold sweat;
• Decrease in pulse and blood pressure;
• stomach ache;
• Bloody diarrhea;
• White spots on the lips.

You also need to know the signs of chronic poisoning. When small doses are received, there are no strong signs of this in the body. 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 treatment of poisoning

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

1. If the substance gets on the skin, rinse with plenty of water, do not treat the burns with ointment or fat.
2. If the phenol is on the mucous membrane of the mouth - rinse, do not swallow.
3. If you get into the stomach to drink a sorbent, for example, coal, "Polysorb", it is not recommended to wash the stomach to avoid a burn of the mucosa.

In a medical institution, the treatment of poisoning is complex and lengthy. Ventilation of the lungs, disinfestation therapy, antidote - calcium gluconate, sorbents, antibiotics, cardiac drugs,

Safety rules for the use of phenols

Sanitary and epidemiological standards in all countries have established the maximum allowable level of phenol concentration in indoor air. A safe dose is 0.6 mg per 1 kg of human body weight. But these standards do not take into account that with regular intake of even such a concentration of phenol into the body, it gradually accumulates and is capable of causing serious harm to health. This substance can be released into the air from plastic products, paints, furniture, building and paving materials, cosmetics. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor the composition of the purchased products and, if there is an unpleasant sweetish 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.