It is the name of a disinfectant and bactericidal substance of natural origin and of very frequent use. It is derived from wood and its main component is phenol. It is an aqueous solution, which when prepared takes on a milky appearance. It is also called Manchester fluid, zotal and creolin.
It is a trade name for creolin (which is also a trade name) and is very popular in Argentina, where it has already become a generic name. There are variations in the composition, but the active substance is some phenol mixed with coal tar and soap. It is used as a potent disinfectant and insecticide, and the name associates the words "mite" with "naphthalene."
