This is for someone who is new to science or has very less knowledge (maybe enough for zombie apocalypse survival). Just kidding. Have a look here:-
What is this? If you don't know, it's benzene (C6H6)
Now what is it? Any detail? Well, here you go.
Benzene is basically a colourless liquid with sweet smell, a natural constituent found in gasoline and crude oil.
It is a harmful chemical whose ingestion can occur through skin, inhalation etc. Short term exposure can lead to drowsiness, headache however, long term exposure can lead to Anaemia, Leukemia and other blood disorders. It has basically carcinogenic properties.
Plastic, explosives and dyes, benzene contributes in good amount while their manufacturing.
Now, look at this:-
What is this? This is phenol (C6H6O)
What is it? Details you asked for? Here you go, my reader:-
Phenol is a colourless crystalline solid with a distinct odor.
Although it is also used in making synthetic fibres, plastics but it is also used in drugs like aspirin (yes that one you have while you have that near death experience while headache) and other pharmaceuticals.
Now, as a beginner or one having very less knowledge in science, find what is difference in both? Just a difference of that branch of -OH. That's it. But, what is surprising to see is that both things have just opposite properties. While benzene has carcinogenic properties(cancer causing properties), phenol treats acts as important constituent in making medical supplies. One is like poison whereas other one is like nectar. Science is indeed fun. Isn't it?
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