Why does Dettol turn cloudy?

**paddy** · 21st December 2009, 16:13

I don't know if we have any chemists here, but I do know we have a lot of know-it-alls. So here is my question: Why does Detol turn cloudy when you add it to water?

**wbks** · 21st December 2009, 16:18

Originally Posted by paddy

I don't know if we have any chemists here, but I do know we have a lot of know-it-alls. So here is my question: Why does Detol turn cloudy when you add it to water?

The magnesium permanganate forms a cohesive bond with the valance shell of the fluride thiosulfate once heated by the water, creating the cloudy substance you see in front of you. Some say it alters the magnetic field of highly powered electrical devices when made in large quantities

**Laxi** · 21st December 2009, 16:18

you been smokin somint? start pondering all the important things in life?

**yungatart** · 21st December 2009, 16:21

It just does!
Why do ya have to go around questioning everything?

**P38** · 21st December 2009, 16:25

Because it contains phenols and/or some phenolic compounds .

Actually any disinfectant that contains phenols and/or some phenolic compounds will turn cloudy when mixed with water.

And Yes you guessed it.........

I'm not a "Chemist" so that only leaves one other choice

**P38** · 21st December 2009, 16:26

Originally Posted by wbks

The magnesium permanganate forms a cohesive bond with the valance shell of the fluride thiosulfate once heated by the water, creating the cloudy substance you see in front of you. Some say it alters the magnetic field of highly powered electrical devices when made in large quantities

Close!!!!

But no Cigar this time.

**wbks** · 21st December 2009, 16:28

Originally Posted by P38

Close!!!!

But no Cigar this time.

I missed the sodium bicarbonate, right?

**AllanB** · 21st December 2009, 16:31

It's the Sea Monkeys being activated - they are the active ingredient that actually does the cleaning.

**P38** · 21st December 2009, 16:31

Originally Posted by wbks

I missed the sodium bicarbonate, right?

Yep .......

**Ixion** · 21st December 2009, 16:55

Chloro-dimethyl phenol specifically. AKA chloroxylenol. Also called Lysol in the USA.

The active ingredient has a low solubility in water.

In the bottle it is kept dissolved in pine oil and isopropanol. When added to excess of water the insoluble DMP drops out of solution , causing the white appearance.

I is (was, anyway) a chemist

**paddy** · 21st December 2009, 17:02

Originally Posted by Ixion

Chloro-dimethyl phenol specifically. AKA chloroxylenol. Also called Lysol in the USA.

The active ingredient has a low solubility in water.

In the bottle it is kept dissolved in pine oil and isopropanol. When added to excess of water the insoluble DMP drops out of solution , causing the white appearance.

I is (was, anyway) a chemist

Thanks Ixion, that makes perfect sense. Now I can sleep at night. :-)

**wbks** · 21st December 2009, 17:08

Originally Posted by Ixion

Chloro-dimethyl phenol specifically. AKA chloroxylenol. Also called Lysol in the USA.

The active ingredient has a low solubility in water.

In the bottle it is kept dissolved in pine oil and isopropanol. When added to excess of water the insoluble DMP drops out of solution , causing the white appearance.

I is (was, anyway) a chemist

Paddy, take it from me, this guy doesn't know what he's talking about... Some people are only in it for the image!

**paddy** · 21st December 2009, 17:55

Originally Posted by wbks

Paddy, take it from me, this guy doesn't know what he's talking about... Some people are only in it for the image!

LoL. I'll get out my magnets and my Detol now.

**Skyryder** · 21st December 2009, 17:56

Originally Posted by paddy

I don't know if we have any chemists here, but I do know we have a lot of know-it-alls. So here is my question: Why does Detol turn cloudy when you add it to water?

Climate warming.

Skyryder

**martybabe** · 21st December 2009, 17:57

Originally Posted by paddy

I don't know if we have any chemists here, but I do know we have a lot of know-it-alls. So here is my question: Why does Detol turn cloudy when you add it to water?

Sounds like it's off to me mate, don't drink it get a fresh bottle eh.