Phenolic resins
Process Role: Reaction with formaldehyde to phenol-formaldehyde resins Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Purity, water, colour, trace impurities
TECHNICAL PROCUREMENT INTELLIGENCE
Phenol
Temperature-Managed Feedstock Supply for Phenolic Resins, BPA and Chemical Manufacturing
Phenol is a toxic, corrosive aromatic chemical intermediate used primarily in phenolic-resin and bisphenol-A value chains. A key operational issue is its melting/freezing point near 40.9°C: bulk phenol is commonly transported and handled molten, so heating, insulation, tracing, unloading and emergency procedures are integral parts of procurement.
For GCC and MENA buyers, technical suitability should be confirmed before shipment. OGSCM can coordinate specification review, manufacturer documentation, packaging format, batch traceability, dangerous-goods requirements where applicable, cross-border logistics and receiving-site constraints. Product claims such as food grade, pharmaceutical grade, oilfield grade, REACH/FCC/USP compliance or OEM approval should only be used when documented for the actual offered grade.
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Chemistry, Manufacturing Route & Material Behaviour
Most global phenol is produced by the cumene process. Benzene is alkylated with propylene to cumene, which is oxidised to cumene hydroperoxide and acid-cleaved to phenol and acetone. The paired production of phenol and acetone is commercially important because market balance between the co-products affects economics and availability. Product quality for resin/BPA service is controlled by purity, water, colour and trace impurities.
Process-Engineering & Grade-Selection Considerations
- For molten handling, maintain a controlled temperature margin above the freezing point while avoiding unnecessary overheating. Heat tracing and insulated lines should be designed to prevent plugs in valves, meters and dead legs.
- Phenol can be rapidly absorbed through skin; emergency decontamination and site medical procedures must reflect the current SDS.
- Specify delivery state (solid vs molten) and the exact transport identity because UN number changes with physical state.
- For BPA/phenolic resin production, colour and trace carbonyl/organic impurities may be process-critical even when bulk purity is high.
- Receiving systems need dedicated transfer connections, containment and a safe method for clearing/freeze protection of lines.
◎ Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | C₆H₆O / C₆H₅OH |
| CAS | 108-95-2 |
| Molar mass | 94.11 g/mol |
| Melting/freezing point | ≈40.9°C for pure phenol |
| Boiling point | ≈181.7°C |
| Appearance | Colourless-to-white crystals when solid; molten product is clear; oxidation can discolour material |
| Water behaviour | Moderately soluble; solubility is temperature dependent |
| Primary feedstock role | Phenolic resins and bisphenol A |
| Transport | UN 1671 PHENOL, SOLID; UN 2312 PHENOL, MOLTEN; Class 6.1, Packing Group II |
| Hazard emphasis | Rapid skin absorption; severe corrosive/toxic effects |
Values shown are reference/typical values, not a sales specification. Final acceptance must be based on the offered manufacturer grade, test method, COA and buyer specification.
Applications
Bisphenol A
Process Role: Reaction with acetone Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: High purity, colour, water, process contaminants
Caprolactam / nylon-related chemistry
Process Role: Phenol-derived intermediates in selected routes Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Feedstock purity and plant route
Coatings / adhesives
Process Role: Upstream phenolic intermediates/resins Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Resin-grade quality
Specialty chemicals
Process Role: Chemical building block Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Process-specific purity and impurity limits
Storage, Handling, Materials Compatibility & HSE
Phenol handling requires dedicated toxic/corrosive chemical controls. Use compatible heated/insulated equipment where molten service is intended, secure containment, ventilation and rapid emergency decontamination capability. Keep water and incompatible oxidisers/chemicals under controlled segregation. Final heating, PPE and emergency measures must follow the current SDS and site risk assessment.
HSE control principle
Use the current product-specific SDS, local dangerous-goods requirements, receiving-site risk assessment and applicable engineering standards. Website text should never substitute for a supplier SDS or site procedure.
HSE control principle
Use the current product-specific SDS, local dangerous-goods requirements, receiving-site risk assessment and applicable engineering standards. Website text should never substitute for a supplier SDS or site procedure.
RFQ Specification Checklist
- Intended use: phenolic resin, BPA or other synthesis
- Required purity, water, colour and impurity profile
- Solid or molten delivery
- Required transport temperature and unloading rate
- Tank/line heating and connection details
- Batch COA, SDS and traceability
- UN 1671 or UN 2312 logistics planning as applicable
Quality Control, COA Parameters & Test Methods
A technically meaningful RFQ should define the key quality parameters that influence performance in the intended process. Typical COA requirements include purity, water content, colour, solidification point, non-volatile residue, organic impurities, and appearance, with testing performed using appropriate methods such as GC, Karl Fischer analysis, APHA/Hazen colour measurement, ASTM D1493 or supplier methods, gravimetric analysis, and visual inspection.
These parameters are used to verify primary chemical assay, reaction and crystallisation behaviour, high-purity/resin quality, contamination control, process sensitivity in BPA/resin applications, and overall product suitability for handling and storage. Final test requirements should always be aligned with the producer specification, customer requirements, and intended application.
Why Choose OGSCM?
Application-Driven Solutions
We match the right grade to your process needs.
Reliable Supply Chain
On-time delivery with strong regional & global logistics.
Quality You Can Trust
Strict quality control and batch consistency.
Expert Support
Technical & commercial support throughout your procurement journey.
Regional Presence
Serving industries across GCC and MENA with local expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pure phenol freezes near 40.9°C. If a line or package cools below this region, crystallisation can prevent pumping/unloading.
No. Transport identity depends on condition: solid phenol and molten phenol have different UN numbers.
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