Dettol's milky white appearance when mixed with water is due to emulsification.
Understanding Emulsification
When Dettol, which contains oils, comes into contact with water, the oil droplets become suspended within the water droplets. This process, known as emulsification, creates a cloudy, white mixture. The change in color is a result of how this emulsion interacts with light. The oil and water don't mix completely; instead, they form tiny droplets of each within the other, scattering light in a way that makes it appear white. This is similar to how milk appears white due to the suspension of fat globules in water.
Several sources confirm this explanation:
- Pharmeasy: "Dettol upon contact with H2O turns milky like white. When H2O is added to the Dettol liquid its oil droplets become suspended in the water droplets, creating something called an Emulsion. It is that state of emulsion that causes the colour to change with its response to light."
- JustAnswer: "Its nothing to worry about. Its the process of emulsification. When the Dettol comes in contact with water, it gets emulsified, giving it a white..."
It's Not a Reaction
Contrary to some misconceptions, the whitening of Dettol in water is not a chemical reaction producing slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂). While some online discussions suggest this, the widely accepted explanation is simply emulsification. There is no evidence from reliable scientific sources supporting the chemical reaction theory.
Practical Implications
The change in color does not indicate the presence of microbes or any other contamination. It is a purely physical change.
