Phenol is a white crystalline solid that is commonly used in the production of plastics, resins, and other industrial materials. The major uses of phenol, consuming two thirds of its production, involve its conversion to precursors for plastics. Phenol is also a versatile precursor to a large collection of drugs, most notably aspirin but also many herbicides and pharmaceutical drugs. It has antiseptic properties and is hence applied as antiseptic and disinfectant in medicine. Phenol is produced through the cumene process, which involves the reaction of benzene and propylene to form cumene, which is then oxidized to form phenol and acetone. The process is highly efficient and produces large quantities of phenol and acetone, which are important industrial chemicals.