Phenol

Phenol falls into the category of compounds which is aromatic and organic. Being an organic compound, it contains hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon which are its main constituents.

Phenol is a part of theIndian petrochemical industry and at present the growth in this sector is sluggish since phenol is an intermediate chemical as a result of which, the demand is dependent totally on the user-end industry.

Phenol is typically prepared mainly by oxidation of Cumene. There are also several other benzene-based processes which are used in the manufacture of phenol. The production of phenol was around 62,000 tons in 1998-1999 and by 2000 it is expected to reach 70,000 tons. The price of phenol in the international market is gradually declining - in 1998 it was US$ 700 per ton and in 2000 it came down to US$ 390 per ton. InIndia, the market of phenol is around ` 465 crore. Due to the fall in the international price of phenol, around 39% of it was imported. In fact, imports went up in 1998-1999 to 31,000 tons from 15,000 tons the previous year. However, in recent times the demand for phenol has fallen sharply.

More than 50% of the phenol that is produced is used in the manufacture of phenolic resins. And the rest of the phenol is used in the manufacture of rubber chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cellulose acetate explosives. Phenol is mainly sold directly to the stockists, dealers, and the OEMs. The main companies producing phenol are:

• Bengal chemicals and pharmaceuticals in Kolkata
• Herdillia chemicals in Thane
• HOCL in Enrakulam

Phenol industry inIndia is facing a slowdown in the recent years. That the industry starts to grow, theIndian government along with theIndian petrochemical industry must make a determined effort.

Last Updated on 13 December 2011