History & Facts
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The molecular formula for carbolic acid is C6H6O. Carbolic acid has a molar mass of 94.111 g/m and a density of 1.07g/cm3. Also known as phenol, carbolic acid is an aromatic organic compound. It's a solid at room temperature and is white and crystalline in form. Carbolic acid is relatively volatile and exposure to skin can cause burns. It is polar. Carbolic acid has a flash point of 79 degrees Celsius and a melting point of 40.91 degrees. It's worth noting that carbolic acid is considered an antiquated term, and is usually referred to simply as phenol.
Phenol is present in a number of naturally occurring organic compounds which are known as phenols. One important phenol is quinone, which is responsible for the transport of electrons in cells. Polyphenols are another phenol and are complex molecules found in plants. Anthocyanin, another phenol, acts as an antioxidant in plants and is partially responsible for the color of autumn leaves and the reds, blues, and purples in fruits and vegetables.
Carbolic acid was first discovered in 1834 when it was extracted from coal tar (albeit in an impure form). Its first major use was discovered in 1867 by British surgeon Joseph Lister, who used it as an antiseptic during surgery. When used in a dilute solution, it could be used to sterilize surgical instruments and wounds. This technique greatly increased patient survival rates by decreasing the chance of infection after surgery, and pioneered the techniques that are still used today.
Phenol is also important in the manufacturing of plastics. Bakelite, one of the earliest plastics was created using formaldehyde and carbolic acid in 1907. Today, carbolic acid is still popular in manufacturing due to its low price and ease of acquisition. Products created using it include plastics such as nylon and polycarbonates as well as other things such as antiseptics and disinfectants (due to carbolic acid's strong anti-microbial properties), dyes, and paint thinners.
Phenol is present in a number of naturally occurring organic compounds which are known as phenols. One important phenol is quinone, which is responsible for the transport of electrons in cells. Polyphenols are another phenol and are complex molecules found in plants. Anthocyanin, another phenol, acts as an antioxidant in plants and is partially responsible for the color of autumn leaves and the reds, blues, and purples in fruits and vegetables.
Carbolic acid was first discovered in 1834 when it was extracted from coal tar (albeit in an impure form). Its first major use was discovered in 1867 by British surgeon Joseph Lister, who used it as an antiseptic during surgery. When used in a dilute solution, it could be used to sterilize surgical instruments and wounds. This technique greatly increased patient survival rates by decreasing the chance of infection after surgery, and pioneered the techniques that are still used today.
Phenol is also important in the manufacturing of plastics. Bakelite, one of the earliest plastics was created using formaldehyde and carbolic acid in 1907. Today, carbolic acid is still popular in manufacturing due to its low price and ease of acquisition. Products created using it include plastics such as nylon and polycarbonates as well as other things such as antiseptics and disinfectants (due to carbolic acid's strong anti-microbial properties), dyes, and paint thinners.
Safety
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As stated previously, carbolic acid is relatively dangerous as far as molecules go. Its volatile nature means that it's a hazard to organics; when skin is exposed to it, the result is a nasty chemical burn. Carbolic acid also possesses a hazard to the nervous system. It can cause collapse and a sudden loss of consciousness. It was used heavily in Nazi concentration camps for executions in injection form, where it would cause death shortly after being administered. Carbolic acid's corrosive effect comes from a protein-degenerating effect. It's made furthermore dangerous due to the fact it is easily absorbed through the skin. It has an oral LD-50 of 300-500 milligrams.
Due to its corrosive nature, extreme care should be taken when handling carbolic acid. At room temperature it is a solid. When heated, carbolic acid produces extremely toxic fumes and can possibly explode. Gloves must be worn when handling it and skin should be covered. Goggles are necessary in order to protect the eyes. As carbolic acid is a combustible solid, it must be stored as to prevent it from coming into contact with strong oxidizers. A sealed glass container is suitable for storage.
Due to its corrosive nature, extreme care should be taken when handling carbolic acid. At room temperature it is a solid. When heated, carbolic acid produces extremely toxic fumes and can possibly explode. Gloves must be worn when handling it and skin should be covered. Goggles are necessary in order to protect the eyes. As carbolic acid is a combustible solid, it must be stored as to prevent it from coming into contact with strong oxidizers. A sealed glass container is suitable for storage.