Phenol is used as

Options

A. an antiseptic
B. a disinfectant
C. both 1 and 2
D. a styptic

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Phenol**:
- Phenol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5OH. It consists of a benzene ring (C6H5) with a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to it.

2. **Properties of Phenol**:
- Phenol has been researched extensively and is known for its antimicrobial properties, meaning it can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

3. **Applications of Phenol**:
- Phenol can be used in two main ways: as an antiseptic and as a disinfectant.

4. **Distinction Between Antiseptic and Disinfectant**:
- **Antiseptic**: This is a substance that is applied to living tissues to prevent infection. For phenol, it is typically used in a diluted solution (0.1% to 0.2% concentration) for treating cuts, scrapes, or wounds.
- **Disinfectant**: This is a substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on non-living surfaces. For phenol, a higher concentration (around 1% or more) is used for disinfecting surfaces, surgical instruments, and other non-living objects.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the properties and applications of phenol, it can be concluded that phenol is used both as an antiseptic and a disinfectant, depending on its concentration.

6. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question "Phenol is used as" is **Both Antiseptic and Disinfectant** (Option C).