metabolic process phenol-containing compound metabolic process carbolic acid metabolic process Note that phenol metabolism is not included as a child of 'xenobiotic metabolism' because although it is synthesized industrially, phenol is also found naturally in animal wastes and other organic materials. It is often formed by the activity of microorganisms, which can chemically modify a variety of xenobiotic and naturally occurring phenolic compounds. carbolic acid metabolism hydroxybenzene metabolic process phenol-containing compound metabolism UM-BBD_pathwayID:phe hydroxybenzene metabolism The chemical reactions and pathways involving a phenol, any compound containing one or more hydroxyl groups directly attached to an aromatic carbon ring.