Carbolic

Carbolic is a term used to refer to carbolic acid, also known as phenol, and to related phenolic compounds or products derived from them. The term originates from coal tar, the byproduct from which phenol was historically isolated in the 19th century. In addition to chemical references, carbolic has appeared in the names of antiseptic products such as carbolic soap, reflecting the long association between phenol chemistry and disinfection.

Carbolic acid (phenol) is an simple aromatic hydroxy compound with the formula C6H5OH. It is typically a colorless to white solid or oily liquid with a distinctive odor. Phenol is a weak acid (pKa around 10) and is caustic and toxic. It can irritate and burn skin and mucous membranes, and inhalation or ingestion can be hazardous. It is moderately soluble in water and highly miscible with many organic solvents.

Industrially, phenol is produced mainly from coal tar or via the cumene process, a widely used route in modern chemistry. It serves as a key chemical precursor for numerous materials, including phenolic resins (such as Bakelite), acetone, and bisphenol A for polycarbonate plastics. It also remains used in certain disinfectants and antiseptics, a legacy of its historical role in medical hygiene and antisepsis.

Safety and regulatory notes emphasize that phenol is highly toxic and corrosive. Proper handling requires protective clothing, eye and skin protection, and adequate ventilation. Accidental exposure can cause severe burns, systemic toxicity, or environmental harm, and regulatory guidelines govern its storage, labeling, and disposal.