Question

What are the main constituents of Dettol?

Answer 1

Hint: Out of the 2 main constituents of Dettol, one of them is a disinfectant and antiseptic used which is used in skin disinfection and cleaning surgical equipment. The other constituent is an $\alpha -$ form of an alcohol which is found in natural oils such as petitgrain and pine oil.

Complete step by step solution:
- There are 2 main constituents of Dettol. They are – 1) Chloroxylenol and 2) $\alpha -$ terpineol.

- Chloroxylenol is the main constituent in Dettol. It makes up about 4.8 % of the total mixture of Dettol. It is commonly used as a disinfectant and antiseptic.
- $\alpha -$ terpineol is the other main constituent of Dettol. It is a terpene alcohol which is found in natural oils (petitgrain and pine oil).
- The minor constituents include isopropanol, castor oil, soap and water.
- Dettol acts as an antiseptic when we add Dettol and water in the ratio of 1:20. That is, we can prepare an antiseptic liquid to cleanse affected areas by adding 50 ml of Dettol in 1L water.
- Dettol can also be used as a disinfectant. This is when we add Dettol and water in the ratio of 1:40 to 1:20. That is, by adding 25-50 ml Dettol in 1 L water.

Additional Information:
- Dettol is an antiseptic disinfectant. It has many uses.
- Dettol cleanses our skin and also protects our skin against infection from minor scratches or cuts in skin, insect bites etc.
- Dettol is also used as a household disinfectant. It is used to clean surfaces and it is also added to the laundry rinse cycle.

Note: -If the question is about the main constituent, instead of main constituents, the answer will be chloroxylenol. This is because it makes up about 4.8 % of the total mixture of Dettol.