| 1. | any of three isomers having the formula C6H5ClO, derived from chlorine and phenol, used chiefly as intermediates in the manufacture of dyes. |
| 2. | any derivative of phenol of which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine atoms. |
chlorophenol chlo·ro·phe·nol (klôr'ō-fē'nôl', -nōl')
n.
One of several substitution products obtained by the action of chlorine on phenol and used as an antiseptic.
chlorophenol
any of a group of toxic, colourless, weakly acidic organic compounds in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms attached to the benzene ring of phenol have been replaced by chlorine atoms; 2-chlorophenol is a liquid at room temperature, but all the other chlorophenols are solids. Most applications of chlorophenols are based on their toxicity: they and compounds made from them are used to control bacteria, fungi, insects, and weeds. Many members of the group are manufactured by treating phenol with chlorine; a few are made by hydrolysis of polychlorobenzenes.
Learn more about chlorophenol with a free trial on Britannica.com.