Table 2.

Visual appearance of separated m- and p-cresol droplets and of the aqueous-rich phase in systems containing 2 wt% cresols and 0.5 M aqueous salt solutions after 10 days

Salt type	Salt in water (no cresols)	Aqueous phase with m- or p-cresol	m- or p-cresol droplets
NaCl	Transparent	Transparent	Yellow
ZnCl2
ZnSO4
Na2SO4 (*)
FeCl2	Yellow	Purple	Dark brown
FeSO4	Yellow	Yellow	Dark brown
CuCl2	Blue	Green	Dark brown
CuSO4	Blue	Blue	Yellow

Droplets and color changes were typically visible within approximately 2–24 h, with color becoming more pronounced over time. (*) Samples prepared with Na₂SO₄ were monitored for 48 h; within this period, no color change was observed, whereas systems containing FeCl₂ or CuCl₂ already exhibited visible droplet discoloration