Chromatographic data of some selected phenol pollutants were determined and used to derive the linear solvation free energy relationships (LSERs). The Abraham model was used to correlate retention time, retention index and correction coefficient of phenols with solute parameters. Linear solvation free energy relationship can be used for prediction and verification of experimental data. Although phenols are derivatized prior their determination, the Abraham parameters of underivatized phenols can be used for modelling, but the ∑ α 2 H parameter must be neglected as the derivatized phenols loose their ability to donate proton. Gas–liquid partition coefficient on hexadecane is the most important parameter when phenols are separated on non-polar phases. The effects of other parameters are not so well defined. The replacement of log L 16 term by the logarithm of octanol–water partitioning coefficient does not improve the relationships.