CARBOLIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Carbolic acid, also known as phenol, is a chemical compound classified as an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula C6H6O. It is a white crystalline solid that has a distinct, strong, and pungent odor. Carbolic acid is primarily derived from coal tar or obtained synthetically and has a wide range of applications.
In terms of its chemical properties, carbolic acid is weakly acidic due to the phenol group present in its molecular structure. It readily undergoes reactions such as esterification, oxidation, and condensation reactions, making it useful in various chemical processes and industrial applications.
Due to its antiseptic properties, carbolic acid has been historically used as an early surgical disinfectant and in healthcare to treat wounds and surgical instruments for sterilization. Its use as an antiseptic has declined in recent years due to safety concerns and the availability of more effective alternatives.
Additionally, carbolic acid is utilized in the production of plastics, resins, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and various chemical intermediates. It is an important precursor in the manufacturing of numerous industrial compounds, including bisphenol A (BPA) and caprolactam.
However, it is crucial to note that direct contact with carbolic acid can be harmful to humans, causing skin and eye irritation, as well as toxicity if ingested or inhaled in high quantities. Strict safety precautions should be followed when handling this chemical.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A colourless oily liquid obtained from coal-tar.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CARBOLIC ACID
- xarbolic acid
- varbolic acid
- farbolic acid
- darbolic acid
- czrbolic acid
- csrbolic acid
- cwrbolic acid
- cqrbolic acid
- caebolic acid
- cadbolic acid
- cafbolic acid
- catbolic acid
- ca5bolic acid
- ca4bolic acid
- carvolic acid
- carnolic acid
- carholic acid
- cargolic acid
- carbilic acid
Etymology of CARBOLIC ACID
The word "carbolic acid" is derived from the combination of two terms: "carb-" and "-olic acid".
The prefix "carb-" originates from the Latin word "carbo", meaning "charcoal" or "coal". The term "carbolic" was first coined by Justus von Liebig, a German chemist, in 1843. In this context, "carbolic" referred to the compound's source material: coal tar.
The suffix "-olic acid" is a common way to describe organic acids. It comes from the Greek word "όλη" (olē), meaning "whole" or "complete". Thus, when combined with "carb-", it denotes a complete acid derived from coal tar.
Similar spelling word for CARBOLIC ACID
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