Page 41 - Pharmd general phytochemistry I-Final2024_LEUCTERS

2.5. Phenols:

General methods of isolation:
Phenols are sufficiently acidic form water soluble salts (water soluble
phenolates) with dilute fixed aIkali solution.
This property is used for separation of phenolic from non-phenolic
constituents. Thus, the oil is shaken with aqueous fixed alkali, the
aqueous layer containing the phenolic contents is separated from the oil.

Thymol

Source: Thyme oil.
Uses:
• Thymol possesses disinfectant and

antibacterial properties, it is used in mouth washes, gargles and
other oral preparations.
• It is also used as a gastro-intestinal disinfectant.
• It used as starting material for preparation of synthetic menthol.

Eugenol

Source: Oil of clove and Cinnamon leaf oil.

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