phenols
Ring-bound hydroxyls
Phenols are a class of chemical compounds containing a hydroxyl group bonded directly to an aromatic ring.
The simplest is phenol itself, a white crystalline solid used in manufacturing plastics, disinfectants, and pharmaceuticals.
Many phenols occur naturally—thymol in thyme, eugenol in cloves.
As a group, they range from antiseptics to environmental pollutants.
Disinfectant acid compound
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- germicideAgent that kills microbes
- bactericideSubstance killing harmful microbes
- hospital-gradeMeeting medical facility requirements
sterilization · mouthwash · preservative · antimicrobial · sanitizing · medicinal · topical · dilution
Pleasantly strong-smelling
- hydroquinoneAromatic compound, two OH groups
- salicylateAspirin-related chemical compound
- tyrosineProtein-building amino acid
- thymolPhenolic plant antiseptic
synthesis · derivative · acidity · tautomerism · resonance · substitution · conjugation
Astringent plant compounds
- astringencyDrying, puckering quality
- mouthfeelOral texture perception
- oakinessBarrel-derived flavor note
- vanillinAromatic aldehyde from beans
polyphenols · flavonoids · barrel-aging · complexity · structure · bitterness · finish · quercetin
Structural plant polymer
- flavonoidsPolyphenolic plant metabolites
- tanninsAstringent plant compounds
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
- antioxidantsSubstances counteracting oxidative damage
pigments · tea · coffee · cacao · berries · phytonutrients · biosynthesis
Contaminated drainage from buildings
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- contaminantsUnwelcome substances in something pure
- carcinogenicCauses cancer
- hazardousLikely to cause injury
pollutants · biodegradation · discharge · refinery · petrochemical · coal-tar · resin · plastics
Oxidation-preventing molecule
- shelf-lifePeriod before spoilage
- food-gradeSafe for food contact
- rancidityDecomposition of fats
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
inhibitor · packaging · natural · synthetic · additive · stability
carbolic
Disinfectant acid compound
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- germicideAgent that kills microbes
- bactericideSubstance killing harmful microbes
hospital-grade · sterilization · mouthwash · preservative · antimicrobial · sanitizing · medicinal · topical · dilution · toxicity
aromatic
Pleasantly strong-smelling
- hydroquinoneAromatic compound, two OH groups
- salicylateAspirin-related chemical compound
- tyrosineProtein-building amino acid
thymol · synthesis · derivative · acidity · tautomerism · resonance · substitution · conjugation
tannins
Astringent plant compounds
- astringencyDrying, puckering quality
- mouthfeelOral texture perception
- oakinessBarrel-derived flavor note
vanillin · polyphenols · flavonoids · barrel-aging · complexity · structure · bitterness · finish · quercetin · maceration
lignin
Structural plant polymer
- flavonoidsPolyphenolic plant metabolites
- tanninsAstringent plant compounds
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
antioxidants · pigments · tea · coffee · cacao · berries · phytonutrients · biosynthesis
wastewater
Contaminated drainage from buildings
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- contaminantsUnwelcome substances in something pure
- carcinogenicCauses cancer
hazardous · pollutants · biodegradation · discharge · refinery · petrochemical · coal-tar · resin · plastics · adhesives
antioxidant
Oxidation-preventing molecule
- shelf-lifePeriod before spoilage
- food-gradeSafe for food contact
- rancidityDecomposition of fats
oxidation · inhibitor · packaging · natural · synthetic · additive · stability
- brewingwort, mash, brewery, hops, malt
- organic compoundshydrocarbon, alcohol, alkane, ethane, propane
- plant defensesthorns, spines, trichomes, toxins, latex
- pollutantspollutants, pollutant, contaminant, contaminants, toxin
- toxic wastehazardous waste, chemical waste, industrial waste, toxic sludge, nuclear waste
- aroma chemicalsvanillin, limonene, menthol, benzaldehyde, camphor