compounds that have the hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic ring are called phenols.thus,phenol is the specifc name for hydrobenzene, itsel;-- and it is the genral name for the family of compounds derived from hydroxybenzene.pure phenol is a white crystalline solid, mp 42.the solid, or concentrated solutions of phenol can cause painful bums if allow to come into contact with the skin.In the following tests,a 5 phenol solution will have been prepared by your instructor