The key difference between phenol and nonylphenol is that phenol has a hydroxyl group substituted into a benzene ring whereas nonylphenol has a hydroxyl group and another organic group substituted to a benzene ring.
Organic compounds are chemical compounds having carbon and hydrogen atoms. There can be other atoms such as oxygen and sulfur atoms as well. Phenol is a common solvent in chemical synthesis reactions, while nonylphenol is a derivative of phenol.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Phenol
3. What is Nonylphenol
4. Side by Side Comparison – Phenol vs Nonylphenol in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Phenol?
Phenol is an organic compound useful as a solvent, and it has the chemical formula HO-C6H5. It is an aromatic structure (there is a benzene ring with substitution). Also, it exists as a white solid that is volatile. Moreover, phenol is a mildly acidic compound due to the presence of a removable proton at the hydroxyl group of phenol. However, we have to handle it with care in order to prevent burns.
Figure 01: General Structure of Phenol
We can obtain phenol by extraction from coal tar. However, it is mainly produced from the petroleum-derived feedstock. The production process is called the “cumene process”. This white solid of phenol has a sweet odour. It is soluble in water due to its polarity.
Furthermore, phenol tends to undergo electrophilic substitution reactions because the lone electron pairs of the oxygen atom are donated to the ring structure. Therefore, many groups, including halogens, acyl groups, sulfur-containing groups, etc. can be substituted to this ring structure. Also, phenol can be reduced to benzene via distillation with zinc dust.
What is Nonylphenol?
Nonylphenol is a derivative of phenol which has a nine carbon tail attached to a phenol molecule. The chemical formula of this compound is C15H24O. Nonylphenol falls under the category of alkylphenols. However, the structure of nonylphenol can vary slightly. Usually, the nonyl group is attached to the benzene ring at para position, but it can also vary according to the production method. Furthermore, this compound exists in a liquid state at room temperature, and it appears in a pale yellow colour. However, the pure compound is colourless. Also, this compound is moderately water-soluble. But, it is well soluble in alcohol.
Figure 02: General Structure of Nonylphenol
Nonylphenol can be naturally produced via degradation of alkylphenol ethoxylates. Other than that, we can produce this compound in industrial-scale via alkylation of phenol with a mixture of nonenes in the presence of an acid catalyst.
When considering its applications, nonylphenol is important in manufacturing antioxidants, lubricant oil additives, laundry liquids, dishwashing detergents, emulsifiers, and solubilizers. Also, it is used as an intermediate in producing nonionic surfactants.
What is the Difference Between Phenol and Nonylphenol?
Phenol and nonylphenol are organic compounds. Nonylphenol is a derivative of phenol. The key difference between phenol and nonylphenol is that phenol has a hydroxyl group substituted into a benzene ring whereas nonylphenol has a hydroxyl group and another organic group substituted to a benzene ring. When considering the applications of phenol, it is important as intermediates in organic synthesis processes, as a solvent, as a disinfectant, etc. Nonylphenol is important in manufacturing antioxidants, lubricant oil additives, laundry liquids, dishwashing detergents, emulsifiers, and solubilizers.
Below infographic summarizes the difference between phenol and nonylphenol.
Summary – Phenol vs Nonylphenol
Phenol and nonylphenol are organic compounds. Nonylphenol is a derivative of phenol. The key difference between phenol and nonylphenol is that phenol has a hydroxyl group substituted into a benzene ring whereas nonylphenol has a hydroxyl group and another organic group substituted to a benzene ring.
Reference:
1. “Nonylphenol.” Nonylphenol – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, Available here.
2. “Nonylphenol.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Apr. 2020, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Phenol2” By NEUROtiker – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Nonylphenoles V” By Jü – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia