Abstract

The entry describes the origin, structure, chemical composition, physicochemical properties, distribution, transport, and conversion of phenol and its derivatives in the natural environment. It also describes methods of obtaining and practical significance of phenol and its derivatives. This entry also shows problems concerned with environmental exposure to phenolic compounds and their quantification in all elements of the biosphere. Introduced into the natural environment in difficult-to-estimate amounts, phenolic compounds have become a serious ecological problem.