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Phenol (C₆H₅OH) is one of the simplest aromatic alcohols and an important organic compound. It was first discovered and isolated by the German chemist Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge in the early 19th century. Runge obtained phenol from coal tar, a thick, black liquid produced during the destructive distillation of coal. This discovery marked an important step in the development of organic chemistry because coal tar became a valuable source of many aromatic compounds.

Coal tar contains a mixture of hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and nitrogen-containing substances. Runge’s work showed that chemical substances with industrial and medicinal importance could be derived from such natural sources. Phenol itself later became a foundation for many chemical industries.

Phenol is a crystalline solid with a distinct odor. It is slightly soluble in water but dissolves well in organic solvents. It has both acidic and alcohol-like properties, which makes it chemically reactive. In the 19th century, phenol was famously used by Joseph Lister as an antiseptic in surgery, which reduced infections and revolutionized medical practice. Today, phenol is used in the manufacture of plastics, pharmaceuticals, dyes, resins, and synthetic fibers.

The other options in the question are not correct. Phenol is not obtained from vegetable oil, which mainly contains triglycerides. It is also not obtained directly from wood, though wood can produce some phenolic compounds on pyrolysis. “None of these” is also incorrect because the correct historical source is coal tar.

The isolation of phenol by Runge highlights how discoveries from natural resources laid the foundation of modern chemical industries. The importance of coal tar chemistry extended far beyond phenol, as it led to the development of synthetic dyes, antiseptics, and many key organic compounds used in industry and medicine.