Iron oxides were coated onto the surface-of sand,, an phenolic compounds. These form. complexes on the surface of hydrous iron oxide. Probably, the coordination of ligands with the central metal ion occurs through the phenolic oxygen. Adsorption capacities, rate of adsorption and breakthrough curves were studied. The adsorption of phenols remains same in the pH range 3-6. Distribution coefficients (K-d) of 17 phenols were determined in water and sodium hydroxide solutions (0.1-0.5 M). On the basis of difference in K-d values some quantitative separation of phenols were achieved. The adsorbed phenols were desorbed quantitatively with 1 M NaOH and the same column could be used for 4-5 cycles consecutively. A small phenol removal unit was also studied for phenol removal from water.