The melting point of phenol is 42°C. At temperatures below 42°C, it remains solid and at higher temperatures it remains in a liquid state. Its boiling point is 182°C.
In pure state it is colorless but in the presence of light its color becomes light pink due to the small amount of oxygen being oxidized by oxygen of the air.
Its smell is pungent and distinct. It blisters when it falls on the skin. It is toxic and for this reason, is used as an antiseptic. It is less soluble in water at low temperatures but more soluble in water on heating. It is soluble in alcohol and other carbonic solvents.