Phenol. Molecular model of phenol, formerly called carbolic acid (formula: C6H5OH). Phenol is a crystalline solid that is soluble in water. The solution is acidic, and causes severe blistering if it touches the skin. Injections have been used in the past as a means of rapid execution, such as in the concentration camps during the Second World War, where thousands were given the lethal injection by Nazi doctors. Now it is extensively used in industry in the manufacture of phenolic and epoxy resins, dyes, explosives, plastics, drugs and perfumes. Atoms are colour-coded: carbon (grey), hydrogen (white) and oxygen (red).