Chemical Properties
The nuts of the Fagus may be eaten raw or roasted. The seeds are often a source of edible oil and the leaves are used as a potherb. Beechwood creosote contains a mixture of phenols (chiefly guaiacol, creosol and p-cresol). It has a characteristic smoky odor with caustic, burning taste.
Occurrence
Fagus species.
Preparation
Starting materials are the heavy oils from wood tar; the material first is treated with NaOH to precipitate all saponifiable oils and subsequently with H2SO4; the raw creosote finally is purified by repeated fractional distillation
Definition
A colorless oily liquid containing phenols and distilled from wood tar, used as a disinfectant. The name is also given to creosote oil, a dark brown liquid distilled from coal tar and used for preserving timber. It also consists of phenols, mixed with some methylphenols.
Definition
1. (wood creosote) An almostcolourless liquid mixture ofphenols obtained by distilling tar obtainedby the destructive distillationof wood. It is used medically as anantiseptic and expectorant. 2. (coaltarcreosote) A dark liquid mixture ofphenols and cresols obtained by distillingcoal tar. It is used for preservingtimber.
General Description
Colorless to yellowish oily liquid with a smoky odor and caustic burning taste.
Air & Water Reactions
May be sensitive to exposure to air. Slightly soluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Phenols, such as CREOSOTE, do not behave as organic alcohols, as one might guess from the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group in their structure. Instead, they react as weak organic acids. Phenols and cresols are much weaker as acids than common carboxylic acids (phenol has Ka = 1.3 x 10^[-10]). These materials are incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. Heat is also generated by the acid-base reaction between phenols and bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization of the organic compound. Phenols are sulfonated very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature). The reactions generate heat. Phenols are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid. CREOSOTE is incompatible with acacia, albumin, oxidizers and cupric, ferric, gold and silver salts.
Fire Hazard
CREOSOTE is combustible.
Safety Profile
Confirmed carcinogen. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
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