Carbolic acid
Carbolic Acid
Carbolic acid, also known as Phenol (pronounced: /ˈfiːnɒl/), is a toxic, colorless crystalline solid with a sweet tarry odor. It is a volatile compound and is considered a minor product of coal tar distillation.
Etymology
The term "carbolic acid" is derived from the Latin word carbo, meaning coal, and the Greek word oleum, meaning oil. This is due to its discovery in the mid-19th century as a byproduct of coal tar.
Usage
Carbolic acid is used in the production of resins, nylon, detergents, and explosives. It is also used as a disinfectant due to its antiseptic properties.
Health Effects
Exposure to carbolic acid can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingestion or absorption through the skin can lead to systemic effects such as headache, dizziness, confusion, seizures, coma, and possible death.
Related Terms
- Coal Tar: A thick, black, viscous liquid produced during the distillation of coal, used as a source of carbolic acid.
- Phenol: Another name for carbolic acid, derived from the Greek word phainein, meaning to show or appear.
- Antiseptic: A substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of disease-causing microorganisms.
- Disinfectant: A chemical agent used to destroy or inhibit the activity of disease-causing microorganisms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carbolic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Carbolic acid
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