Final answer:
A disinfecting chemical dissolved in alcohol is called a tincture, often used as an antiseptic, with common examples including ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol-based tinctures compare historically in effectiveness to phenol and are used for a variety of antimicrobial purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A disinfecting chemical dissolved in alcohol is known as a tincture. This is suitable for use on tissues for microbial control to prevent infection and is typically used in the form of an antiseptic. Alcohols such as ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol, also called rubbing alcohol) are commonly used for disinfection by denaturing proteins and disrupting membranes, making them effective against a broad range of vegetative microbes. The effectiveness of chemical disinfectants like alcohol-based solutions has historically been compared to that of phenol.
Examples of tinctures include the iodine tinctures, where iodine, a halogen that functions by oxidizing cellular components, is dissolved in alcohol to form an effective antiseptic solution. Iodophors, like povidone-iodine, provide a slow release of iodine and are commonly used for pre-surgical antisepsis. Overall, alcohols are chosen for their inexpensive and effective disinfecting properties but have limitations due to their high volatility.