99% Tricresol CAS 84989-04-8

What is m-cresol (Cresol, CAS 84989-04-8)? What are its uses?

I. What is Cresol (CAS 84989-04-8)?

Coal phenol is the common name for cresol or methyl phenol or benzyl phenol. CAS 84989-04-8 is a mixture of m-cresol and p-cresol, m/p-cresol. It is a commercial form separated from phenolic fraction of coal tar (methyl tar fraction). Its chemical formula is often written as:

C7H8O (Molecular weight: ca. 108.14, CAS No.: 84989-04-8, EC No.: 284-892-9)

p-Cresol is a colorless to pale yellow or pink liquid at room temperature. It smells like phenol with a little burned smell, and darkens gradually over time or by sunlight. It is slightly soluble in water. The saturated aqueous solution is neutral or weakly acid. Soluble in ethanol, ethylene glycol, dilute alkali solutions, and most organic solvents. Its boiling point is about 191-203°C and relative density about 1.03-1.05.

Compositionally, m-p-cresol (CAS 84989-04-8) comprises predominantly two isomers, m-cresol (CAS 108-39-4) and p-cresol (CAS 106-44-5). The two are similar in structure and properties, but the odor and activity are different. p-Cresol is the main raw material for synthesis of BHT antioxidant, and m-cresol is an important intermediate for synthesis of vanillin and other fragrances and a variety of fine chemicals. The “two-component” characteristic of m-p-cresol provides it with a unique value in the areas of disinfection, scientific research and development.

m-p-Cresol is chemically similar to other cresols and is of low toxicity, but is similar in toxicity to phenol and strict protective measures are necessary in handling. Its phenolic hydroxyl group makes it a strong bactericidal and disinfectant, which is the chemical basis of its use in household hygiene for centuries. Store in a cool place. Keep container tightly closed. Keep away from oxidizers.

Non-industrial grade m-p-cresol (CAS 84989-04-8) is non-bulk industrial products for research and consumer applications, mainly reagent-grade grades. Relative to industrial grade products, the non-industrial grade m-p-cresol is more concerned with the following indicators:

Purity & Impurity Control

Reagent-grade reagents are required to have a high content of main components, low impurities and strict control of harmful impurities such as heavy metals, so as to ensure the safety and effectiveness of disinfection and experiments.

Interval/Comparison m-cresol and p-cresol have very different odors and activities, and their proportions should be controlled according to their intended use (e.g., different requirements for components in disinfectant formulations and fragrance development).

Moisture

Too much moisture content may influence the stability of disinfectant product formulations and the accuracy of experiments, and must be kept at a low level.

II . What are the uses of Cresol (CAS 84989-04-8)?

1. Disinfection and Hygiene (Core Application)

p-Cresol is a traditional disinfectant and preservative. Disinfection and sterilization of environment, instruments and homes is done by Cresol soap solution (Lysol). It exhibits a strong bactericidal effect even at low concentrations and is the most widely used cresol product in the industry of household hygiene.

2. Scientific research and laboratory applications (reagent grade)

m- and p-cresol are common phenolic reagents used in laboratories. They can be used for organic chemical synthesis reaction research, disinfectant formulation development and analytical chemistry applications. Its single isomers (m-cresol and p-cresol) are important raw materials of fine chemical research.

3. Research Level on Fragrance and Daily Chemicals

The m-cresol in m-p-cresol is an important intermediate in flavor and fragrance research. It is used to develop edible and daily use flavors such as vanillin and synthetic musk for formulation innovation of fragrance industry.

4. Preservation of Wood and Technological Applications

Wood preservation and specimen preparation processes can take advantage of the killing and preservation properties of m-p-cresol to protect wood and biological specimens from microbial erosion.

5. Popular-science experiments for teaching

m-p-Cresol can be used in chemical teaching demonstrations and as an experimental reagent to aid students in grasping the properties and reactions of phenolic compounds. It is a common teaching reagent used in university chemistry labs.

6. Phenolic resins and insulating materials

Cresol-formaldehyde resin is obtained by condensation of p-cresol and formaldehyde. It is used to modify phenolic resins, insulating varnishes and coatings. The product has excellent heat resistance, electrical insulation and chemical resistance. It is used in the fields of electronics, coatings and inks.

7. Raw material of antioxidant (p-cresol component)

p-Cresol, which is a component of m-p-cresol, is the main raw material for the synthesis of BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol). BHT is one of the most widely used hindered phenolic antioxidants. It is used in edible oils, food, cosmetics, plastics and rubber to retard oxidation and preserve the quality of the product.

8. Pesticide intermediates

m-p-Cresol is an important intermediate in the production of some insecticides and herbicides and is used in the preparation of various agrochemical products.

9. Mineral Processing Flotation Agents and Solvents

m-p-cresol (cresonic acid) is used as a frothing agent in ore flotation for separating minerals from gangue, and as a solvent and chemical intermediate in mining and chemical production.

10. Dye intermediates

m-p-Cresol is an important intermediate in the synthesis of various dyes and pigments, used for the preparation of products such as azo dyes and serving the dye industry.

11. Other Uses

With the development of disinfection technology and fragrance science, the application scope of non-industrial grade p-cresol is also expanding in the fields of custom synthesis, standard reagent supply and fine chemical development.

Conclusion

Cresol (CAS 84989-04-8) also called m-p-cresol is a mixture of m-cresol and p-cresol in fixed ratio. It is a colorless to pink phenolic liquid with strong bactericidal activity and rich chemical reaction . In our daily life we are exposed indirectly through the use of cresol soap disinfectants, phenolic plastic products, BHT antioxidants in edible oils, fragrances and flavors, inks and printed products, and pesticide products. In non-industrial applications, reagent grade m-p-cresol is widely used in the fields of disinfection and hygiene, scientific research and laboratories, fragrance and daily chemical research, wood preservation process, and teaching experiments. It is a significant phenolic compound that connects “daily use” with “scientific research and fragrances.”