Uses of phenols:

Properties of phenols:

Solid under standard conditions.
Slightly water soluble due to the presence of the hydrogen bond between the O and the H.
The large, non-polar benzene ring reduces water solubility slightly.
Reacts like other weak acids with metals it produces a salt.
Reacts like other weak acids with alkalis to produce a salt and water.
Reacts in a neutralisation reaction to produce a salt and water.
Reacts with halogens at room temperature without the need of a catalyst.

Phenol as a weak acid

How weak?

Bromination

Reacts with bromine to produce a white precipitate. 2,4,6-tribromophenol is a white precipitate.
The bromine decolourises.

Phenols reactivity

Nitration of phenol

Unlike benzene which requires concentrated nitric acid, nitration of phenol can occur with dilute nitric acid. No catalyst is required and it can occur at room temperature. Two isomers are made from this.