The use of phenol (carbolic acid) as a wound disinfectant was first practiced by:

a. Koch.

b. Semmelweis.

c. Holmes.

d. Pasteur.

e. Lister.

The use of phenol (carbolic acid) as a wound disinfectant was first practiced by Lister. The correct option is E

Explanation:

Phenol (carbolic acid) is an aromatic organic compound. It has the following properties:

- it's soluble in water

- it's a weak acid and

- highly reactive toward electrophilic aromatic substitution

In Medical field, phenol was first used as an antiseptic by Joseph Lister. Joseph Lister was a student at University College London under Robert Liston, later rising to the rank of Surgeon at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He believed that patients who passed through surgery, died due to infections caused by microorganisms. He theorized that if germs could be killed or prevented, no infection would occur. Lister reasoned that a chemical could be used to destroy the micro-organisms that cause infection. He made use of the carbolic acid by soaking a clean cloth in them, and placing it over the surgical wounds of patients.