cresol
Krezol, CH3C6H4OH - organic compound from phenol group, hydroxyl derivative of toluene or methyl phenol derivative. It is in the form of 3 structural isomers: 2-methylphenol, 3-methylphenol and 4-methylphenol. They have similar chemical properties, but differ slightly in melting and boiling points. The mixture of isomers is referred to as crude cresol or tricresol. It is obtained by the distillation of tar or petroleum. It is present in tobacco smoke. It has bacteriophage and fungicidal action, and also, like naphthalene, insecticidal properties. It is sometimes used in combination with naphthalin for moulting, but is more commonly used as an additive for disinfectants and cleaning agents. Such a preparation is, for example, lizol. A commercially available calyx is tricresol and as pure ortho, meta, para. The cresol name comes from its traditional source - creosote. Krezole are intermediates for the synthesis of plastics and their additives, herbicides, insecticides, solvents, disinfectants and fragrances, explosives.