A Phenol (C6H5OH) contains −OH group(s) directly attached to sp2 hybridized carbon atom(s) of an aromatic system. In phenols the −OH group is attached to sp2 hybridized carbon of an aromatic ring.
The carbon- oxygen bond length in phenol is slightly less than that in methanol.
Phenol can be prepared by various means such as through alkali fusion of sulphonates, hydrolysis of diazonium salts etc. Commercially it is prepared from Dow's process.
The name of product which is obtained by the decarboxylation of sodium salt of salicylic acid with soda-lime is: