Two and three-phase separation of phenol and o-nitrophenol: Correlation between phase behavior and partitioning behavior

► Aggregation of PEG is crucial for the phase behavior of two or three-phase system. ► Phase properties in microphase interfaces are correlated with phase behavior. ► Selective partitioning of phenolic compounds related to interfacial phase property. ► Distribution process can be controlled by modulating phase property. ► Separation between phenol and o-NP is achieved in two or three-phase system.