These test methods cover the determination of major organic impurities in refined phenol manufactured by the cumene (isopropylbenzene) process. Two test methods are employed to determine the stated major impurities.

Test Method A determines the concentration of major impurities such as mesityl oxide, cumene, -methylstryene, 2-methylbenzofuran, acetophenone, and demethylbenzyl alcohol.

Test Method B determines the hydroxyacetone content.

Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D16 on Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Chemicals, these test methods were withdrawn in January 2004 and replaced by Test Method D 6142 on the Analysis of Phenol by Capillary Gas Chromatography.

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of major organic impurities in refined phenol manufactured by the cumene (isopropylbenzene) process. Two test methods are employed to determine the stated major impurities.

1.2 Test Method A determines the concentration of major impurities such as mesityl oxide, cumene, [alpha]-methylstyrene, 2-methylbenzofuran, acetophenone, and dimethylbenzyl alcohol.

1.3 Test Method B determines the hydroxyacetone content.

1.4 The following applies to all specified limits in this standard: for purposes of determining conformance with this standard, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded off "to the nearest unit" in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E29.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.