obsolete cresol biosynthetic process true OBSOLETE. The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of cresol, a mixture of the aromatic alcohol isoforms o-, p-, and m-cresol, which is obtained from coal tar or petroleum. The isomers are used as disinfectants, textile scouring agents, surfactants and as intermediates in the manufacture of salicylaldehyde, coumarin, and herbicides as well as being a major component of creosote. cresol anabolism cresol formation This term was made obsolete because cresol is not synthesized by living organisms, and GO does not cover non-biological processes. biological_process cresol synthesis GO:0046198 cresol biosynthetic process cresol biosynthesis