Phenol is an organic compound with the chemical formula of C6H5OH. It is a colorless needle-like crystal with special smell and toxicity. It is an important raw material for producing some resins, fungicides, preservatives and drugs (such as aspirin). It can also be used for disinfection of surgical instruments and excreta treatment, skin disinfection, antipruritic and otitis media treatment.

Discover history:

Phenol was discovered in coal tar by German chemist Runge F in 1834, so it is also called carbolic acid. It was the British famous doctor Lester who first made phenol famous.

Liszt found that most of the causes of postoperative death were suppurative infection of wounds. Occasionally, dilute phenol solution is sprayed on surgical instruments and doctors' hands, and as a result, the infection of patients is obviously reduced. This discovery makes phenol a powerful surgical disinfectant. Liszt is also known as the "father of surgical disinfection".

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