Phenols: characteristic chemical properties

Phenol s chemical properties are characterized by the influences of the hydroxyl group and the aromatic ring upon each other. Although the stmcture of phenol is similar to cyclohexanol, phenol is a much stronger acid. Its piC in aqueous solution at 25°C is 9.89 x 10 ° (8). This characteristic allows aqueous hydroxides to convert phenol into their salts. The salts, especially those of sodium and potassium, are converted back into phenol by aqueous mineral acids or carboxyhc acids. 

Pyridine is a tertiary amine its aqueous solution shows an alkaline reaction and precipitates the hydroxides of metals, some of which are soluble in an excess of the amine. Salts of pyridine like those of other amines form characteristic double salts with metallic halides. The ferrocyanide of pyridine and the addition-product of pyridine and mercuric chloride are difficultly soluble in water these compounds are used in the purification of the base. Pyridine is a very stable compound it can be heated with nitric acid or chromic acid without undergoing change but at 330° it is converted by a mixture of nitric acid and fuming sulphuric acid into nitropyridine, a colorless compound that melts at 41° and boils at 216°. At a high temperature pyridine is converted into a sulphonic acid by sulphuric acid. Chlorine and bromine form addition-products, e.g., C5H5N.CI2, at the ordinary temperature when these are heated to above 200°, substitution-products are formed. The hydroxyl derivative of pyridine is made by fusing the sulphonic acid with sodium hydroxide it resembles phenol in chemical properties. The three possible carboxyl derivatives of pyridine are known. The a-acid is called picolinic acid, the jS-acid nicotinic acid (664), and the 7-acid isonicotinic acid. 

The properties of manufactured graphites are determined by the microstructure of the carbonaceous mesophase which is formed during pyrolysis, usually between the temperatures of 370 C and 500°C. The characteristics of the final product can be measured in a qualitative way by examination of the mesophase micro-structure. Several coal liquid asphaltene and petroleum pitch samples have been screened in this way to determine their suitability as precursors for graphite materials. The physical and chemical properties of the mesophase formed from the samples and their pyrolyses residues were studied(1). It was found that the phenolic oxygen present either in the precursor or by addition during heat treatment suppresses mesophase formation by crosslinking and preventing the development of fluidity(2J>... 

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are composed of fibres and matrices, which are bonded through the interface to ensure that the composite system as a whole gives satisfactory performance. Part 1 deals with FRP composite matrix materials which provide the foundation for composite materials. Chapter 2 reviews the chemistry of phenolic resins together with their mechanical and thermal properties. Chapter 3 discusses polyester thermoset resins as matrix materials. An overview of the chemistry of vinylester resins, together with their mechanical and chemical properties, as well as their use as a matrix material in the construction industry, is provided in Chapter 4. The final chapter in Part 1 begins with a review of the epoxy resins commonly available on the market, and then focuses on the principal characteristics of epoxy resin composite systems and their practical applications. 

Chemical Designations — Synonyms Middle Oil Liquefied Phenol Chemical Formula CjHsOH. Observable Characteristics — Physical State (as normally shipped) Liquid Color Colorless, darkens on exposure to light Odor Sweet, tarlike. Physical and Chemical Properties — Physical State at 15°C and 1 atm. Liquid Molecular Weight 84.11 Boiling Point at 1 atm. 358.2 181.8 455.0 ... 

The outstanding performance characteristics of the resins are conveyed by the bisphenol A moiety (toughness, rigidity, and elevated temperature performance), the ether linkages (chemical resistance), and the hydroxyl and epoxy groups (adhesive properties and formulation latitude, or reactivity with a wide variety of chemical curing agents) (see also Phenolic resins). 

Phytochemicals or phytonutrients are bioactive substances that can be found in foods derived from plants and are not essential for life the human body is not able to produce them. Recently, some of their characteristics, mainly their antioxidant capacity, have given rise to research related to their protective properties on health and the mechanisms of action involved. Flavonoids are a diverse group of phenolic phytochemicals (Fig. 6.1) that are natural pigments. One function of flavonoids is to protect plants from oxidative stress, such as ultraviolet rays, environmental pollution, and chemical substances. Other relevant biological roles of these pigments are discussed in other chapters of this book. 

In comparison with other thermoplastics, polyamides have superior mechanical properties, vibration and chemical resistance, and high dielectric properties. The superior antifrictional characteristics of cast PA-6 allow us to use it for bearings instead of bronze, cast iron, steel, babbit, reinforced phenolic compounds, and other materials. 

---