Please answer this question, without using any outside sources. Do not copy and
ID: 61201 • Letter: P
Question
Please answer this question, without using any outside sources. Do not copy and paste, use your own words and wisdom.
Thank you!
The chemists are fighting about which of these three chemical agents is best (better than the other two) to use for microbial control. Pat says triclosan is better than the other two, Drew says sodium hypochlorite is better than the other two, and Chris says hydrogen peroxide is better than the other two. Briefly summarize the relevant arguments each chemist should use to convince the other two.
Explanation / Answer
Triclosan in 0.1 to 1% concentrations is being used as anti-bacteria and anti-fungal agent in soaps, surgicals, detergents etc. Its antimicrobial resistance and efficacy are still controversial. It is bactericidal in higher concentrations and bacteristatic in lower concentrations.
Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is a very strong oxidizer. At concentrations of 2% solutions, it is used to clean smooth surfaces (household purpose).
Though hydrogen peroxide (is also an oxidizing agent) is claimed to be effective as anti-microbial agents, clinically it fails to prove its anti-microbial activity.
Of these three compounds, Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is a better agent to control microbial growth due to its powerful oxidizing property.