Phenic acid is sometimes spelled as "phenolic acid", as the letter "o" is often pronounced as a schwa sound /ə/ in English. However, the correct spelling is "phenic" with an "i", because the word is derived from the chemical name "phenol", which is pronounced with an "i" sound /fɛnɪl/. The IPA phonetic transcription for "phenic" is /ˈfɛnɪk/, which emphasizes the correct pronunciation of the word. Therefore, it is important to use the correct spelling to avoid confusion in scientific discussions.
Phenic acid is an organic compound also known as benzenecarboxylic acid or carboxybenzene. It is derived from phenol, a crystalline compound found in coal tar and produced industrially from petroleum. The chemical formula of phenic acid is C6H5COOH.
Phenic acid is designated as a weak acid due to its ability to donate a hydrogen ion (H+) when dissolved in water. However, it is not as acidic as some other carboxylic acids, such as acetic acid. It is mainly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant due to its antimicrobial properties.
In terms of physical properties, phenic acid appears as white to colorless crystals or a white crystalline powder. It possesses a characteristic aromatic odor. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether but is insoluble in most organic solvents.
Phenic acid plays a role in various applications across industries. In the medical field, it has been used as an antiseptic and disinfectant for wounds and surgical instruments. Additionally, it finds applications in the production of dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals.
Although phenic acid has several uses, prolonged exposure or ingestion can be harmful to human health. It can cause irritation, burns, and damage to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Therefore, caution must be exercised while handling this compound, and appropriate safety measures should be implemented.
Carbolic acid, phenol.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word phenic acid derives from the term phenol, which in turn comes from the German word Phenol. The term Phenol was coined by the German chemist Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge in 1834. It is a combination of the Greek word phaino meaning to show or to bring to light, and the Latin word oleum meaning oil. This is because Runge initially discovered phenol while extracting it from coal tar, and it appeared as an oily substance. Over time, the term phenol was further specified into various derivatives, including phenic acid.