Physical properties of Phenol

(a) Phenol is a colorless crystalline, deliquescent solid. It attains pink colour on exposure to air and light.

(b) Phenol is capable of forming intermolecular H-bonding among themselves and along with water. Thus, they have big boiling points and they are soluble in water.

Due to intermolecular H- bonding and high melting points, dipole moment & boiling points of phenol are much higher as compared to that of hydrocarbon of comparable molecular weights.

(c) Phenol has an odd characteristic smell and a strong corrosive exploit on skin.

(d) Phenol is sparingly solvent in water but gladly soluble in organic solvents like alcohol, benzene and ether.

(e) Phenol is poisonous in behavior but reacts like antiseptic and disinfectant.