What is the Difference Between Dettol and Phenol?

Dettol and phenol are both antiseptic and disinfectant substances, but they have distinct differences in their composition and applications.

Composition:

• Dettol is a brand name for a type of antiseptic substance introduced by Reckitt, a British company. The active germ-killing ingredient in Dettol is 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol.
• Phenol, on the other hand, is a single chemical compound with the chemical formula HO-C6H5.

Applications:

• Dettol is an antiseptic and disinfectant that can be applied to wounds. It is commonly used as a household disinfectant and for personal hygiene.
• Phenol is a corrosive substance and is not suitable for applications on humans. It is mainly used as a disinfectant on inanimate objects.

Toxicity:

• Phenol is more toxic than Dettol. Chloroxylenol, a phenolic derivative used in Dettol, has similar, although lesser, toxic manifestations compared to phenol when ingested.

In summary, Dettol is an antiseptic and disinfectant with a non-corrosive composition, making it suitable for human applications, while phenol is corrosive and limited to use on inanimate objects.

Comparative Table: Dettol vs Phenol

The key difference between Dettol and phenol is that Dettol is an antiseptic and disinfectant that can be applied to wounds, while phenol is a corrosive substance that is not suitable for applications on humans. Here is a table comparing the two:

In summary, Dettol is an antiseptic and disinfectant with a proprietary blend of chemicals, while phenol is an organic compound with limited uses due to its corrosive nature.