The official Cresol is a purified mixture of those isomeric cresols distilled from coal-tar at temperatures varying between 1900 C. and 2050 C.

Properties: Appearance...................................................... Color ..................................................................... Odor .....................................................................

Appearance when mixed with water..................................................................................................................................................

Cresol is an antiseptic of value, but is more readily used in the form of the official Liquor Cresolis Compositus. Prepare this compound as follows:

In a tared vessel heat 30 Gm. linseed oil over a water bath to a temperature of 70 ° C. In the meanwhile dissolve 8 Gm. KOH (or 5.4 Gm. NaOH) in 5 mils H20, warm to 700 C, add to the linseed oil, and mix thoroughly; then add 3 mils alcohol, continuing to heat the mixture, without stirring, until emulsification is complete. Then add 50 Gm. Cresol, mix thoroughly, maintaining temperature at 700 C, until a clear solution is produced. Finally, add enough water to make the finished product weigh ioo Gm.

Properties of Liquor Cresolis Compositus:

Liquor Cresolis Compositus is used as an antiseptic wash in the strength of a 5% solution in sterile water.