Question

Compounds with antiseptic properties are ___.

• A. 0.3 ppm aqueous solution of $C{l}_2$
• B. $CH{I}_3$
• C. Boric acid
• D. $CHC{l}_3$

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

Boric acid

Analysing the options:

Option (A):
$CHC{l}_3$ (chloroform) is used as a solvent for floor polishes and as an anaesthetic to reduce the pain.

Hence, chloroform is not an antiseptic.

Option (B):
$CH{I}_3$ (iodoform) is used as an antiseptic. When iodoform encounters skin, it produces iodine which can heal wounds (used as antiseptic wound healing powder).
Antiseptics either kill or retard the growth of micro-organisms. Hence $CH{I}_3$ is used as an antiseptic.

Option (C):
Diluted Boric acid solution $H_{3}B{O}_3$ works as a weak antiseptic for eyes. It is used in eyewash products and to maintain the pH of eyewash solutions.

Option (D):
0.3 ppm aqueous solution of $C{l}_2$ is used as a disinfectant. Disinfectants are used to kill germs and microorganism on inanimate surfaces and are not safe for the skin.

Hence, options (B) and (C) are the correct answers.