The influence of ethylene glycol and glycerol on the germicidal power of aliphatic and aromatic compounds

✍ Scribed by Cooper, E. A.

• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 1948
• Weight: 250 KB
• Volume: 67
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0368-4075
• DOI: 10.1002/jctb.5000670209

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The germicidal power of the phenols is diminished by ethylene glycol and glycerol (30% cone.) that of thymol and the chlorphcnols being affected to a greater extent than cither phenol or p‐cresol. The germicidal power of acetone and tert .‐butyl alcohol, on the other hand, is increased twofold in the presence of glycol or glycerol, and smaller increments arc also observed in the case of acetic acid, propylene oxide, and glycol monobutyl ether. Diethyl acetal is a more active germicide than dimethyl acetal. Their relative germicidal power is unaffected by glycol or glycerol, but the ratio depends on the test‐organism used. A conclusion of some practical interest is thus reached, viz., that glycol and glycerol, whilst causing a diminution in the bactericidal action of phenols, actually enhance the germicidal power of certain aliphatic compounds. The bearing of the results on the theory of disinfection is discussed.