Phenol is widely used in the production of plastics and resins, especially in making phenolic resins which are essential for adhesives, coatings, and molded parts. It plays a key role in the manufacture of bisphenol A, a precursor to polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins used in electronics, automotive parts, and protective coatings. In the pharmaceutical industry, phenol serves as a starting material for synthesizing aspirin and other drugs. It is also used as a disinfectant and antiseptic in medical applications, particularly in throat sprays and ointments due to its ability to numb tissues and kill microbes. Phenol is employed in chemical peels for skin treatment, helping remove damaged outer layers in dermatology. Additionally, it acts as an intermediate in the production of caprolactam and alkylphenols, which are used in nylon manufacturing and surfactants. Its solvent properties make it useful in laboratories for nucleic acid purification, particularly in DNA extraction processes.