Creosote vs. Carbolineum — What's the Difference?

Creosote is a category of carbonaceous chemicals formed by the distillation of various tars and pyrolysis of plant-derived material, such as wood or fossil fuel. They are typically used as preservatives or antiseptics.Some creosote types were used historically as a treatment for components of seagoing and outdoor wood structures to prevent rot (e.g., bridgework and railroad ties, see image).

Carbolineum is an oily, water-insoluble, flammable, dark brown mixture from coal tar components, smelling of tar. It contains among other things anthracene and phenol.

A colorless to yellowish oily liquid containing phenols and creosols, obtained by the destructive distillation of wood tar, especially from the wood of a beech, and formerly used as an expectorant in treating chronic bronchitis.

An oily, water-insoluble, flammable, dark brown coal tar mixture, formerly used to preserve wooden structures.

A yellowish to greenish-brown oily liquid containing phenols and creosols, obtained from coal tar and used as a wood preservative and formerly as a disinfectant. It can cause severe neurological disturbances if inhaled in strong concentrations.

A blackish residue formed, as on the inside of a flue, through condensation of volatile compounds released by incomplete combustion of wood or other fuel.

To treat or paint with coal-based creosote.

A pale yellow oily liquid, containing phenols and similar compounds, obtained by the destructive distillation of wood tar, once used medicinally.

A similar brown liquid obtained from coal tar used as a wood preservative.

(countable) The creosote bush.

To apply creosote.

Wood-tar oil; an oily antiseptic liquid, of a burning smoky taste, colorless when pure, but usually colored yellow or brown by impurity or exposure. It is a complex mixture of various phenols and their ethers, and is obtained by the distillation of wood tar, especially that of beechwood.

To saturate or impregnate with creosote, as timber, for the prevention of decay.

A colorless or yellowish oily liquid obtained by distillation of wood tar; used as an antiseptic

A dark oily liquid obtained by distillation of coal tar; used as a preservative for wood

Treat with creosote;