Abstract: This invention includes an improved process of converting a phenate to a phenol using acid in which a two phase system having an aqueous phase containing phenate and an organic, phenol-containing, phase are present, the improvement comprising adding the acid to enter the aqueous phase while avoiding contact of the acid and phenol phase. Preferably, with sufficient mixing to substantially surround the organic phase with the aqueous phase. The addition is preferably accomplished by mixing the two phases sufficiently to disperse a small organic (phenol) phase in a (bulk) aqueous phase. Such a process conveniently comprises the steps of: (a) mixing a system containing an organic phenol-containing phase and an aqueous phase sufficiently to substantially surround regions of organic phase with aqueous phase; and (b) adding acid to the aqueous phase; and, optionally, (c) maintaining sufficient mixing to prevent contact of concentrated acid with the organic or phenol phase.