Question

Name a substance which can be used as an antiseptic as well as disinfectant.

Answer 1

Hint: Antiseptics are used on living organisms, such as human skin, to kill any microorganisms living on the body's surface. Disinfectants are used on non-living things, such as countertops and handrails, to kill the microorganisms living on that inanimate surface.

Complete step by step answer:
Before moving to the solution of this question, let us understand a few basic terms:
Antiseptic : an antiseptic is a chemical compound which can be used to clean wounds in order to stop infection. Whenever there is a wound on our body, the inner sensitive layers of skins and blood vessels are exposed to air and the surroundings. If and when this open wound comes in contact with an unsanitary surface. This could give a direct passage for vegetative pathogens that may enter the body. These pathogens cause the infections mentioned above. Hence, the use of an antiseptic is very important.
Disinfectant: Similar to antiseptics, disinfectants also perform the task of cleaning. But instead of working on only the surface of the body, it can also be used to clean external surfaces. Disinfectants are often distinguished from sterilant by having reduced effectiveness against dormant bacterial endospores.
The compound that can be used as both an antiseptic and a disinfectant is phenol.

Additional Information:
 Phenol is used for the disinfection of the skin and it also helps to relieve itching. Other applications of phenol include being used as an analgesic and an anaesthetic. In the surgical treatment of ingrown toenails, the use of phenol is so prominent that the process is termed as phenolization.

Note:
The concentration of the solution of phenol decides the way it is meant to be used.0.2% solution of phenol acts as an antiseptic while 1% solution of phenol acts as a disinfectant.