A comprehensive DTA study is reported of eight methyl-phenols, 4-methoxy-phenol and four methyl-halo-phenols and of the corresponding p-nitrobenzoylchloride, 3,5-dinitrobenzoylehloride and p-phenylazobenzoylchloride derivatives, prepared 'in situ' by heating intimate mixtures of phenol and acid chloride in a DTA system. The thermal analysis data, in particular, the derivative formation temperatures, are interpreted in terms of the inductive, mesomeric and steric effects associated with the ring substituents of the phenol and acid chloride and the extent of inter-and intramolecular hydrogen-bonding existing in these systems. The DTA data collectively, provide a comprehensive data base for the identification and characterisation of these phenols via DTA.