Question

One of the limitations of phenolics is

		is that they are inactivated in the presence of organic matter.
		is that they are more effective against Gram-negative bacteria.
		is that many of them are toxic.

Answer 1

Phenol was first extracted from coal tar, but today is produced on a large scale (about 7 billion kg/year) from petroleum-derived feedstocks. It is an important industrial commodity as a precursor to many materials and useful compounds. It is primarily used to synthesize plastics and related materials

Chlorophenols, aminophenols, chlorocatechols, nitrophenols, methylphenols and other phenolic compounds have all been characterised as exerting toxic influence on humans

• Phenol and its vapors are corrosive to the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory tract. Its corrosive effect on skin and mucous membranes is due to a protein-degenerating effect
• Inhalation of phenol vapor may cause lung edema. The substance may cause harmful effects on the central nervous system and heart, resulting in dysrhythmia, seizures, and coma
• Phenol is also a reproductive toxin causing increased risk of abortion and low birth weight indicating retarded development in utero.

One of the limitations of phenolics is that many of them are toxic.