Creosote oil (wood)

Description

A yellowish oil with a phenolic odor that is obtained from the destructive distillation of wood, especially from Beech, trees. Wood creosote contains creosol (not cresol) and other aromatic compounds. It is used as an antiseptic, parasiticide, deodorant, and expectorant for chronic bronchitis. Wood creosote is different from coal tar creosote.

Synonyms and Related Terms

creasote; wood tar creosote; beechwood tar; beechwood creosote

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Soluble in water, glycerol, acid and alkaline solutions.
• Immiscible in ethanol, chloroform, ether and oils.
• Boiling Point = 203-220 C

Resources and Citations

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985

• Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998