Hydrogenation of phenol gives cyclohexanone, a precursor to nylon. Nonionic detergents are made by alkylation of phenol to give the alkylphenols, e.g.,nonylphenol, which are then subjected to ethoxylation. · Phenol is likewise a versatile precursor to a sizable assortment of medicines, most notably aspirin and also many herbicides and prescribed d