Mixture of 3 isomeric methylphenols Yellow to brownish yellow liquid Odor: creosote Obtained by coal tar or petroleum by alkaline extraction into aq. Medium, acidification and fractional distillation Inexpensive antiseptic and disinfectant Phenol coefficient: 2.5 Sparingly sol in water Alcohols and other org solvents will solubilize it Drawback is unpleasant in odor