Final answer:
a) Are ineffective against viruses The cons of complex phenols include a strong, persistent odor, and potential adverse effects such as toxicity and burns on human skin, as well as systemic poisoning and neurological problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some of the "cons" of complex phenols include that they have a strong, persistent odor. Phenols are chemical compounds with an -OH group attached directly to an aromatic ring, and they serve various purposes including being used as antiseptics and disinfectants. Despite their effectiveness in denaturing proteins and disrupting cellular membranes, phenolics like hexachlorophene have adverse effects, such as toxicity to humans that can lead to severe burns when applied to the skin and systemic poisoning when absorbed into the bloodstream. Moreover, specific phenolics have been associated with neurological problems following exposure.While some phenolics can have a long shelf life and provide long-acting disinfection, they can be harmful, making their safety profile a significant concern. As antiseptics, they kill microorganisms on living tissues, and as disinfectants, they are intended for use on inanimate objects like furniture or floors to control microbial growth.
The first widely used antiseptic was phenol, introduced by Joseph Lister in 1867; since then, searches for safer alternatives have been ongoing due to the severe side effects of phenol.Phenolics are compounds that have an -OH group attached directly to an aromatic ring. They are stable, long-acting disinfectants that denature proteins and disrupt membranes. While phenolics are effective against bacteria and fungi, they are ineffective against viruses. Phenolics are commonly found in household cleaners, mouthwashes, and hospital disinfectants and are used to preserve harvested crops. They have a strong, persistent odor and tend to be less toxic than phenol, but they are not safe for use on all surfaces. Additionally, compared to phenol, phenolics have a longer shelf life.