December 3, 2024

Difference Between Cyclohexanol and Phenol

The explanation of Cyclohexanol and Phenol

Cyclohexanol:

Cyclohexanol and phenol and phenol, are both organic compounds that form part of the family of alcohol. The alcohol family is distinguished by the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) category within the formula chemical.

Cyclohexanol is a cyclic with six members. hydrocarbon (cyclohexane) as its backbone. It also contains an OH group connected to one of the carbon atoms in the rings. The chemical formula for Cyclohexanol is C6H12O with a molecular mass of 100.16 grams per mo.

Cyclohexanol is a colorless, non-toxic liquid that dissolves at room temperature, with boiling points of 161.1degC and an average density of 0.962 grams for every cubic centimeter.

Phenol:

Phenol is a cyclic, six-membered hydrocarbon (benzene) with an OH OH group that is directly linked to a carbon atom within the rings. Phenol’s chemical formula Phenol is C6H5OH which has a molecular weight of 94.11 mg/mol. Phenol is a crystal clear solid at room temperature with a melting point of 40.5degC and a maximum temperature of boiling at 182 degrees Celsius.

Concerning chemical reactivity, the “-OH” chemical molecule found in phenol is more acidic than cyclohexanol because of the stabilization resonances within the phenoxide Ion that are formed after deprotonation. This makes phenol a much more powerful acid than cyclohexanol. It also alters their properties in both chemical and physical.

What exactly is Cyclohexanol?

Cyclohexanol is a compound of organic origin with its chemical formula HOCH(CH2)5. It is formed by the substitution of a hydrogen atom in the cyclohexane molecule by a hydroxyl group.

Cyclohexanol is an insoluble transparent solid with the odor of camphor. Purely it is able to melt at temperatures close to the temperature of room. The material is manufactured annually in large quantities and is utilized as a precursor for nylon.

Cyclohexanol
                            Figure 1: Cyclohexanol

 

The primary route for the production of cyclohexanol is the process of oxidation of cyclohexane within the air. The catalyst used in this process is cobalt as its component. This reaction produces cyclohexanone which is the primary feedstock for the adipic acid.

The most important use for cyclohexanol is that it can be used as an ingredient in nylon’s feedstock, as previously mentioned. However, it can also be used as a precursor for different plasticizers. Furthermore, cyclohexanol has been proven to be an excellent solvent.

What exactly is Phenol?

Phenol is an organic substance with a chemical formula of HO-C6H5. These are aromatic compounds due to their alcohol rings. Phenol is a white solid, which is flammable. The white solid of Phenol smells sweet and is dark and tarry. Additionally, it’s easily soluble in water because of its Polarity.

It is an acidic compound because of it has a proton that is removable in the hydroxyl group of the phenol. We must also take care when handling phenol solutions to avoid burning.

Phenol
                     Figure 1: Phenol  

Phenol is produced through the extraction process of coal tar. The primary method for production is through the use of petroleum as a feedstock. The process for the manufacturing of phenol is called what is known as the “Cumene process.”

Phenol is known to be subjected to electrophilic transformation reactions since the electron pairs that make up oxygen are transferred to the structure of the ring. Thus, a wide range of groups, such as halogens, sulfur-containing groups, and acyl groups such as. could be substituted by the structure of a ring. Phenol can be converted to benzene through the distillation of zinc dust.

What is the difference between Cyclohexanol and Phenol comparison table

Cyclohexanol, as well as phenol, are both organic substances that have certain features but possess distinct distinctions.

The most significant differences between cyclohexanol as well as phenol are:

  1. Chemical Structure: Cyclohexanol contains a six-membered hydrocarbon cyclic (cyclohexane) to form its backbone. It has an -OH group bonded to one carbon atom within the rings.
  2. Phenol: Phenol, on the other hand, is six members of cyclic hydrocarbon (benzene) which has an OH group that is directly connected to one carbon atom within the ring. This distinction in the chemical structure of the compound affects its chemical and physical properties.
  3. pH: Phenol has a higher acidity than cyclohexanol, due to the stabilization of resonances in the Phenoxide ion, which is formed upon deprotonation. This makes Phenol more sensitive to acidic environments and could affect the properties of phenol in certain situations.
  4. Physical properties: Cyclohexanol is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a boiling temperature of 161.1degC and a density of 0.962 grams per cubic centimeter. Phenol is, on the other being an ice-white liquid at ambient temperature with a melting temperature of 40.5degC and an 182degC boiling point.
  5. Application: Cyclohexanol is commonly used to dissolve solvents and as a precursor for other chemicals, such as adipic acid, and is used for the manufacture of nylon. Phenol has a broad range of uses, such as an ingredient in pharmaceuticals, plastics, and dyes, as well as being an antiseptic and disinfectant.
  6. Safety and Health: The two compounds cyclohexanol and Phenol could be harmful if they are consumed and inhaled in huge amounts. But phenol is much more poisonous and can lead to severe burns, respiratory issues as well and other health problems If not handled correctly.

The primary distinctions between cyclohexanol and Phenol are their chemical structure as well as their physical properties, acidity applications, as well as security and health considerations. These distinctions make them appropriate for various applications and demand care when handling or using them.

Production

Cyclohexanol as well as phenol can be created by a variety of methods like oxidation or hydrolysis.

A common method of producing Cyclohexanol is the oxidation of cyclohexane by using air and catalysts such as copper or cobalt. This is referred to as the process of air oxidation and is the process of changing the cyclohexane into cyclohexanol as well as which is separated using fractional distillation.

Phenol, however, in contrast, can be made by various methods. The most popular method is the Cumene process. It involves the reaction of propylene with benzene when they are in contact with catalysts like aluminum chloride to make Cumene. Cumene is then oxidized, resulting in Acetone and phenol, which can be separated through distillation.

Another way to produce phenol is by the hydrolysis of chlorobenzene which involves the reaction of chlorobenzene and sodium hydroxide in water to create sodium chloride and phenol.

Both cyclohexanols, as well as phenol, are also produced by removing coal tar, a product of coal processing, through a variety of extraction and purification procedures. But, these techniques aren’t as widely used because of the availability of more efficient and economical manufacturing methods.

Toxicity and Health Impacts

The effects of toxicity and health are crucial concerns in the work with Cyclohexanol or Phenol. Both chemicals are harmful when handled incorrectly or inhaled.

A. Cyclohexanol

  • Toxicity and health-related effects: Cyclohexanol can irritate the eyes as well as the skin and respiratory tract when in contact with or through inhalation. In the event of repeated or prolonged exposure, it can result in dermatitis and damage to the lung, as well as liver damage. Consumption of Cyclohexanol may cause abdominal discomfort nausea vomiting as well as central nervous system depression.
  • Safety measures: Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment, like gloves and goggles, must be worn when working with Cyclohexanol. spills must be cleaned promptly and the area must be ventilated. Cyclohexanol is best stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated space far from any substances that are incompatible and heat sources.

B. Phenol

  • Health and Toxicity: Phenol can be corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract in contact with or through inhalation. It may cause burns tissue damage, and respiratory discomfort. The consumption of Phenol could cause gastrointestinal discomfort, chemical burns along central nervous system weakness.
  • Safety precautions: Personal protective equipment like goggles, gloves, and a respirator must be worn when working with Phenol. The spills must be contained and the work area must be adequately ventilated. Phenol is best stored in a dry, cool well-ventilated location free of incompatible materials and heating sources.

C. Comparison

  • Comparison of the health and toxicity impacts: Comparison of the health and toxicity impacts that result from Cyclohexanol and Phenol both Cyclohexanol and Phenol can cause irritation on contact or inhalation, and the ingestion of either substance can result in severe health problems. But, Phenol is generally considered to be more poisonous and harmful than Cyclohexanol and therefore requires greater safety precautions.

It is crucial to be aware of the potential health risks that can be posed by the use of Cyclohexanol and Phenol and to be aware of the necessary safety precautions needed to limit the chance of being exposed.

Summary – Cyclohexanol Vs Phenol

The most distinctive characteristic of phenol is its aromatic chemical structure which is not present in cyclohexanol. The primary distinction between cyclohexanol and is that cyclohexanols is an Unaromatic cyclic compound unlike phenol, which is an aromatic cycle compound.