Phenol coefficient

The Phenol coefficient, is now largely of historical interest, although the principles upon which it is based are still used. It is a measure of the bactericidal activity of a chemical compound in relation to phenol. When listed numerically, the figure expressing the disinfecting power of a substance by relating it to the disinfecting power of phenol may be a function of the standardized test performed. For example, the Rideal–Walker method, introduced in 1903 gives a Rideal–Walker coefficient and the U.S. Department of Agriculture method gives a U.S. Department of Agriculture coefficient.