2.7 Antiseptics and Disinfectants

2.1 Analgesics
2.2 Control of microbial diseases
2.3 Antibiotics
2.4 Broad spectrum antibiotics
2.5 Sulpha Drugs
2.6 Antihistamines
2.7 Antiseptics and Disinfectants

3.1 Conditions which a dye must satisfy
3.2 Classification of dyes

4.1 Creams
4.2 Perfumes
4.3 Talcum powder
4.4 Deodorants

7.1 Artificial sweeteners
7.2 Preservatives
7.3 Edible colours

8.1 Soap
8.2 Non-soapy detergent or synthetic detergents

9.1 Solid propellants
9.2 Liquid propellants
9.3 Hybrid propellants

Antiseptics are the chemicals substances which prevent the growth of micro – organisms and may even kill them.

Disinfectants are chemical substances which kill micro – organisms but are not safe to be applied to the living tissues. They are generally used to kill the micro – organisms present in drains, toilets, floors etc.

A few examples of disinfectants and antiseptics used in every day life are given below:

(a) Chlorine: A low concentration of chlorine i.e. $0.2$ to $0.4$ parts per million (ppm) is used for sterilization of water to make it fit for drinking purposes.

(b) Dettol: Antiseptic is a mixture of chloroxylenol and Tripineol or in a suitable solvent.

(c) Bithional: Bithional is added to good quality soaps to reduce the odours produced by bacterial decomposition of organic matter on the skin.

(d) Iodine: Iodine is a powerful antiseptic, it is used as tincture of iodine (which is $2-3\%$ solution of iodine in alcohol and water).

(e) Iodoform $\left( {{\bf{CH}}{{\bf{I}}_3}} \right):$ which produces iodine on coming in contact with skin is used as antiseptic powder for wounds.

(f) Dyes: Some organic dyes are effective antiseptics and are used for treatment of infectious disease. For example two well known antiseptic dyes are gentian violet and methlyene blue.