The particles of matter are very small in size.Therefore, when we mix a few drops of dettol in water, the whole water gives the smell of dettol. Even a small quantity of dettol contains millions of tiny particles which kept on dividing themselves on each dilution. So, even after dilution, this water gives the smell of dettol since the small particles of dettol occupy the spaces between the entire water particles.

Why does the smell of Dettol persist even after dilution with water?

The persistent smell of Dettol even after dilution with water can be attributed to several factors. To understand this phenomenon, let's delve into the science behind it.

1. Composition of Dettol:
Dettol is a popular antiseptic liquid that contains various active ingredients such as chloroxylenol, pine oil, castor oil, isopropanol, and water. These components work together to provide the characteristic smell and antimicrobial properties of Dettol.

2. Volatility of Chemical Compounds:
Some of the compounds present in Dettol, such as chloroxylenol and isopropanol, have relatively low boiling points. This means they tend to vaporize quickly at room temperature. As a result, even when Dettol is diluted with water, these volatile compounds continue to evaporate and release their characteristic smell into the surrounding air.

3. Odor Threshold:
The human nose is sensitive to certain chemical compounds at very low concentrations. Dettol contains aromatic compounds, like phenols, which have a distinct smell that can be detected even at extremely low concentrations. This is why the smell of Dettol can still be perceived even after dilution, as the odor threshold of these compounds is quite low.

4. Solubility of Compounds:
While some components of Dettol are soluble in water, others are not. Although water helps in diluting Dettol, it may not completely dissolve all the chemical constituents. The insoluble components may remain suspended in the water, and when the liquid is disturbed or agitated, they can be released into the air, contributing to the persistent smell.

5. Sensory Memory:
Our brain has the ability to associate certain smells with particular products or experiences. If we have been using Dettol for a long time, our brain becomes accustomed to its smell and readily recognizes it even in diluted form. This sensory memory plays a role in perceiving the smell of Dettol even after dilution.

In conclusion, the persistence of the Dettol smell after dilution can be attributed to the volatility of certain chemical components, the low odor threshold of aromatic compounds, the solubility characteristics of the mixture, and our sensory memory. These factors collectively contribute to the lingering scent of Dettol, even when diluted with water.

The small particles of dettol occupy the spaces between the entire water particles.