Question

Commonly used antiseptic -Dettol- is a mixture of

• A. o-chlorophenoxylenol + terpineol
• B. o-cresol + terpineol
• C. phenol + terpineol
• D. chloroxylenol + terpineol

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks for the components of the antiseptic commonly known as Dettol. Let's analyze the options and identify the correct mixture:

1. Antiseptic Definition: An antiseptic is a substance that prevents or slows down the growth of microorganisms and is used in healthcare to reduce the risk of infection. Dettol is a well-known antiseptic brand.
2. Dettol Composition: The primary active ingredients in Dettol are chloroxylenol and terpineol. Chloroxylenol is known for its disinfectant properties, making it effective against bacteria and fungi, while terpineol is used for its pleasant fragrance and also adds antiseptic properties.
3. Incorrect Options Explanation:
   • o-Chlorophenoxylenol + terpineol: Not the correct composition as Dettol uses chloroxylenol specifically.
   • o-Cresol + terpineol: o-Cresol is not a component of Dettol's composition.
   • Phenol + terpineol: While phenol has antiseptic properties, it is not used in Dettol.
4. Correct Answer: The correct composition of Dettol is chloroxylenol (also known as para-chloro-meta-xylenol) combined with terpineol, making the fourth option "chloroxylenol + terpineol" the correct choice.

In conclusion, the correct answer is that Dettol is a mixture of chloroxylenol and terpineol.