Process for preparing phenols

The present invention relates to a process for preparing phenols, in which the pH of the reaction product from the acid-catalyzed cleavage of alkylaryl hydroperoxides is set to a value of at least 8 at a temperature of at least 100° C. prior to the work-up of the product. This measure enables the content of undesirable by-products, e.g. hydroxyacetone, in the cleavage product to be significantly reduced. This procedure is particularly advantageously integrated into a process for preparing phenols by: a) acid-catalyzed cleavage of alkylaryl hydroperoxides and b) thermal after-treatment of the cleavage product from step a), with the temperature in step b) being higher than in step a) and is at least 100° C., wherein the adjustment to a pH of at least 8 is carried out after the thermal aftertreatment and prior to cooling of the cleavage product.