Phenol price index

Business Analytiq assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, fitness for purpose or timeliness.

Phenol price index

This post is a summary of the global Phenol price developments. The price developments of global Phenol are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Phenol price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for global Phenol prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of global Phenol prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Phenol
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of global Phenol prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Phenol market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on the Phenol price chart

What is Phenol

Phenol is a chemical compound with the chemical formula C6H5OH. It is also known as carbolic acid, and it is a white crystalline solid that has a characteristic odor of disinfectant.

Phenol is an aromatic organic compound that is widely used in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and various other chemicals. It is a caustic substance that can cause severe burns and should be handled with care.

Phenol is also used as an antiseptic, and in low concentrations, it can be used to disinfect wounds and surgical instruments. Additionally, phenol is used as a starting material for the synthesis of other important chemicals, such as aspirin.

How is Phenol produced

Phenol is typically produced from the petrochemical compound benzene. There are two main processes for the production of phenol: the cumene process and the hydroxylation of benzene process.

Cumene process

In the cumene process, benzene is alkylated with propylene to produce cumene (isopropylbenzene). The cumene is then oxidized using air to form cumene hydroperoxide, which is then decomposed to phenol and acetone.

Hydroxylation of benzene process

In this process, benzene is first converted to cyclohexadienol using a mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. The cyclohexadienol is then oxidized with air to produce phenol.

Both processes require high temperatures and pressures and are typically carried out in a series of reactors. The resulting phenol is usually purified by distillation or crystallization.

What drives the cost of Phenol

The cost of phenol is primarily driven by the cost and availability of its raw material, benzene, which is a byproduct of crude oil refining. The price of benzene is subject to fluctuations based on supply and demand factors, global oil prices, and geopolitical events.

Other factors that can influence the cost of phenol include the production technology used, the cost of energy, labor costs, and environmental regulations. For example, the cumene process for producing phenol requires propylene as a feedstock, and the price and availability of propylene can also impact the cost of producing phenol using this method.

In addition to the cost of production, market demand and competition can also affect the price of phenol. Increased demand for phenol in certain industries, such as automotive or electronics, can drive up the price. Conversely, oversupply in the market can lead to lower prices.

Overall, the cost of phenol is a complex issue that is influenced by a variety of factors, including the cost of raw materials, production technology, market demand, and competition.

What is Phenol used for

Phenol has many different uses, both industrial and medical. Here are some examples:

Industrial uses

Phenol is used as a starting material in the production of various chemicals, such as resins, adhesives, and plastics. It is also used in the production of nylon, detergents, and herbicides.

Medical uses

Phenol has antiseptic properties and is used as a disinfectant for skin and instruments in medical settings. It is also used as a local anesthetic in some medical procedures.

Other uses

Phenol is used as a laboratory reagent and a solvent for various compounds. It is also used in the production of wood preservatives and as a component in some types of fuel.

It is important to note that phenol is a toxic substance and should be handled with care. It can cause severe burns and is harmful if ingested or inhaled.

What types of phenol are there

There are different types of phenol that are produced and used for various applications. Here are some of the main types of phenol:

Technical grade phenol

This type of phenol is produced on an industrial scale and is used as a starting material in the production of various chemicals and plastics.

High-purity phenol

This is a refined grade of phenol that is used for specialized applications such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives.

Polymerized phenol

This type of phenol is produced by reacting phenol with formaldehyde and is used as a resin in the production of adhesives, coatings, and laminates.

Cresols

Cresols are a group of methylphenols that are produced as byproducts during the production of phenol. They are used as solvents, disinfectants, and as a starting material for the production of antioxidants and pesticides.

Chlorinated phenols

These are phenols that have been chlorinated to varying degrees. They are used as wood preservatives, disinfectants, and as a starting material for the production of herbicides and insecticides.

It is important to note that phenol is a caustic substance and can be harmful if handled improperly. Care should be taken when working with phenol, and appropriate safety measures should be observed.

Market information about Phenol

The global phenol market size was valued at approximately USD 12.9 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 16.8 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 3.5% during the forecast period (2021-2027). The growth of the phenol market can be attributed to its extensive use in various industries, such as automotive, construction, electronics, and healthcare. Phenol is used in the production of a wide range of chemicals, including bisphenol-A, phenolic resins, and caprolactam, which are used to manufacture various products, such as polycarbonate plastics, laminates, coatings, and synthetic fibers. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for phenol, followed by North America and Europe. The key players in the phenol market include Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., INEOS Group, LG Chem, Ltd., and Dow Chemical Company.

According to https://oec.world/ :Phenols are the world’s 447th most traded product.

In 2020, the top exporters of Phenols were Japan ($778M), South Korea ($609M), Chinese Taipei ($570M), United States ($519M), and Germany ($500M).

In 2020, the top importers of Phenols were China ($1.5B), India ($479M), South Korea ($414M), Germany ($328M), and Belgium ($306M).

Which countries produce the most Phenol

The top producers of phenol in the world are China, the United States, and Western Europe. These regions are home to many large petrochemical and chemical companies that produce phenol as a key intermediate for the production of a wide range of chemicals and plastics. According to the latest available data from 2020, the top five producing countries of phenol in the world are:

1. China
2. United States
3. Germany
4. South Korea
5. Taiwan

Other major producers of phenol include Japan, India, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. The production of phenol is closely linked to the availability and price of its raw material, benzene, which is primarily derived from crude oil. As such, the production of phenol is subject to fluctuations in the price of crude oil and the availability of benzene.

Further information

• Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
• PubChem for chemistry and property  information