Problems of product separation and purification in industrial production of phenol.

This paper discusses basic distinctions and challenges of available commercial process technologies for fractionation of phenol and acetone products, and for removal of contaminants therefrom. Theoretical improbability of complete removal of impurities from the desired products under fractionation process conditions is conclusively demonstrated. The challenge of achieving an adequate quality of desired products (i.e., of phenol, acetone, and α-methylstyrene) has been effectively met within the framework of state-of-the-art phenol/acetone production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]