Aromatic OH compounds phenol

Aromatic compounds have ring structures with alternate single and double bonds. Benzene has a molecular formula of C6H6. The carbon atoms are joined together in a hexagonal ring and have alternate single and double bonds. 

ORGANIC COMPOUNDS CONTAINING CARBON, HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN 

The phenol derivatives figure in the structures of a number of important reactions, including the synthesis of aspirin and the manufacture of phenol - formaldehyde plastics and glues. 

Uncle Jack survived the horrific Battle of the Somme in World War I, but died of antiseptic poisoning by phenol in hospital, where he was treated for an ingrowing toe nail by a Florence Nightingale-type nurse. Phenol was discovered in 1834 to be slightly acidic with antiseptic properties (a weak 5 % solution was called carbolic acid and was used to kill germs ). When used in the first World War it probably killed many soldiers through overuse, due to its acidic burning effect upon the skin and tissues. More sophisticated antiseptics are now used. 

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