CREASOTE, Creosote, or Kreasote (κp∈ας, flesh, and σωζeLv, to save), is a product of the distillation of wood-tar, more especially that made from beech-wood; tar from tho wood of conifers contains it in but small quantity. Tho distillation of the tar is carried on till only a thick pitchy substance is left. From the lowermost layer of the distillate is obtained by the action of sodium carbonate a yellowish oil, the heavier part of which is isolated by rectification in a glass retort, and mixed with potash solution to dissolve out its creasote. The creasote is separated from the filtered potash solution by sulphuric acid, is distilled with alkaline water, and again treated with potash and acid, till its purification is effected; it is then distilled at 200° C. (392' Fahr.), and dried by means of calcium chloride. Creasote is ∩ highly refractive, colourless, oily liquid, first obtained by Reichenbach, in 1832, from beech-wood tar. It consists mainly of a mixture of the compounds—phenol, C c H 5 .OH, cresol, C 6 H 4 .CH 3 .OH, phlorol, C 6 H 3 (CH 3 ).,.OH, guaiacol, CAE.OCH,. OH, and creosol, CAE,.CH 3 . 0CH10H. The so-called coal-tar creasote is more or less impure carbolic acid, containing paracresol and other bodies. Creasote has a strong odour and hot taste, is a non-conductor of electricity, and burns with a smoky flame. Its specific gravity is 1O37 at 20° C.; its boiling point is 203° C. (397° Fahr.); and it is still liquid at - 27’ C. ( - 16'6° Fahr.) Rhenish creasote can be distilled for tho most part between 199° and 208° C., giving a liquid of specific gravity 1O77 at 14° C. Creasote dissolves sulphur, phosphorus, resins, and many acids and colouring matters; and is soluble in alcohol, ether, and carbon disulphide, and in 80 parts by volume ...