This test method is suitable for setting specifications on phenol and for use as an internal quality control tool where phenol is produced or is used in a manufacturing process. It may also be used in development or research work involving phenol. It is generally applied to determining those commonly occurring impurities such as mesityl oxide, cumene, hydroxyacetone, acetone, alpha-methylstyrene, 2-methylbenzofuran, acetophenone, o-cresol, and m & p-cresol.

Purity is commonly reported by subtracting the determined expected impurities from 100.00. However, a gas chromatographic analysis cannot determine absolute purity if unknown components are contained within the material being examined.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of known impurities in phenol by gas chromatography (GC). It is generally meant for the analysis of phenol of 99.9% or greater purity.

1.2 The following applies to all specified limits in this test method: for purposes of determining conformance with this test method, an observed value or 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 E 29. Precision data is based on impurity concentrations of 15 to 70 mg/kg. Users of this test method believe it is linear over a wider range.

1.3 This Test Method does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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 9.