I am trying to elucidate the mechanism of a staining reaction, but in order to do so I need to know about the solubility of phenol in water and ethanol (ethyl alcohol at 95%) and the relationship of the solubility to temperature. I know that in water the solubility of phenol increases with temperature, but is the solubility of phenol in ethanol higher or lower than water at room temperature and above? Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Andrew

University of Leicester