Phenols Test Kits
What is Phenol?
Phenol is a common organic chemical known by names including, benzenol, carbolic acid, phenolic acid, and hydoxybenzene (C6H5OH). It is the simplest chemical form of a group of similar organic chemicals called phenols or phenolics. Phenols are a type of aromatic chemical compound characterized by having one or more hydroxyl groups bonded to a phenyl group. Cresols, xylenols and catechols fall under this umbrella. Phenols occur in nature but can also be generated from industrial processes. Phenols were first produced from coal tars, however today they are derived from petroleum feedstocks. Phenol is used as a precursor for the production of many plastics, epoxies, detergents, and herbicides. Furthermore, it is the active ingredient found in pharmaceutical drugs, antiseptics, disinfectants, and preservatives.
Why test for Phenol in Water?
Since phenol is a common chemical used in manufacturing, its presence in water can be an indicator of industrial pollution. It can also persist in water for weeks. Phenol is of particular concern for drinking water as even low levels of phenol can affect color and odor, especially upon chlorination.
About our test kits
CHEMetrics visual test kits feature CHEMets® self-filling ampoules for simple, single-test analysis. Phenol kits now include S-8000 Phenol Activator Solution, delivering potassium ferricyanide as a liquid accessory for safer handling and more consistent dosing.
CHEMetrics also offers instrumental test kits featuring Vacu-vials® ampoule technology. This updated method eliminates loose crystals on the ampoule tip while maintaining the same reagent chemistry, shelf life, accuracy, and trusted results.
If you are testing high concentrations of phenols, dilution may be used to extend the range of our test kit. You can find more information in our Sample Dilution Instructions.
Click on a catalog number in the tables below for more information or to purchase a phenols test kit.
Visual Kits
| Range | MDL | Method | Kit Catalog No. | Refill Catalog No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 & 0-12 ppm | 0.05 ppm | 4-Aminoantipyrine | K-8010 | R-8010 |
| 0-300 ppm | 25 ppm | 4-Aminoantipyrine | K-8010D | R-8010 |
Instrumental Kits
| Range | Method | Kit Catalog No. |
|---|---|---|
| 0-8.00 ppm | 4-Aminoantipyrine | K-8043 |
| 0-20.0 ppm | 4-Aminoantipyrine | K-8053 |
Method
CHEMetrics® Phenols Test Kits utilize the well-established 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) colorimetric method for the determination of phenolic compounds in water. Under alkaline conditions, phenolic compounds react with 4-aminoantipyrine in the presence of potassium ferricyanide to form a stable red-colored complex. The intensity of the color produced is proportional to the concentration of phenolic compounds present and is measured by visual comparison using the appropriate CHEMets® comparator.
The method responds to phenol, ortho- and meta-substituted phenols, and selected para-substituted phenols under appropriate pH conditions. It is well suited for monitoring phenolic contaminants in wastewater and other industrial water samples, with results reported as ppm (mg/L) phenol.