Having no experience with it myself, other than its structure and weak acidity, I called BS. Then looked at the MSDS and that changed my mind.
How does phenol cause burns?
Wikipedia (...) says the toxicity can be attributed to phenoxy radicals, and hydrophobicity, but neither of these would explain why it would cause
immediate, and severe burns.mr.crow - 30-11-2012 at 11:59
Surgeons used to pack phenol into bandages for antiseptic surgery. Also vaporized into the air. Before this invention you were guaranteed a nasty
infection.
I don't know, but weak acidity and disrupting normal cellular function sounds plausible.bahamuth - 30-11-2012 at 12:17
Phenol causes lysis of the cells, probably because it dissolves fat and carbohydrates very well.
We use it in DNA/RNA extraction together with chloroform to completely lyse the cells and release the genetic material. Also it inhibits enzymes I'm
told.
GreenD - 30-11-2012 at 14:18
ahh ok. makes sense.
I believe this is why people use salicylic acid on face - lyse bacteria cells,. but not human?Random - 30-11-2012 at 16:45
I believe this is why people use salicylic acid on face - lyse bacteria cells,. but not human?
i believe it does both, but slowly and less toxic than phenolzed - 6-12-2012 at 15:47
Immediate, and severe burns...that you don't know you are acquiring! Perhaps that explains the mystery. Other acids tell you of their actions via a
burning sensation. Phenol is a potent local anesthetic.
You become aware of your trauma, only when you notice the huge Blisters forming on your skin.BromicAcid - 6-12-2012 at 16:56
Don't forget that most acids are hydrophillic, they don't pass through the skin easily. Phenol, anhydrous HF, methanesulfonic acid, etc are all
fairly soluble in organics, they pass through the skin and do their damage on the inside. Even a weaker acid like phenol, ignoring it's other
effects, can cause damage once it makes its way past the skin.
