4-Chloro-2-methylphenol

Chemical Properties

Off-white to slightly brownish crystalline solid

Uses

4-Chloro-2-methylphenol is a transformation/degredation product of herbicides found in the environment through landfills and runoff.

Definition

ChEBI: A member of the class of phenols that is o-cresol in which the hydrogen para to the hydroxy group is replaced by a chlorine.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron Letters, 30, p. 5215, 1989 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(01)93745-1

General Description

Dark red flakes with waxy texture. Insoluble in water.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

4-Chloro-2-methylphenol can react vigorously with concentrated sodium hydroxide solutions. Also reacts with other bases, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, and oxidizing agents. Corrodes steel, brass, copper and copper alloys [NTP, 1992)]. A large quantity left in contact with concentrated sodium hydroxide solution for 3 days reacted violently, attaining red heat and evolving fumes that ignited explosively. The heat of reaction dissipated poorly because of the high viscosity of the mixture [Quart. Safety Summ., 1957, 28, 39].

Fire Hazard

4-Chloro-2-methylphenol is probably combustible.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Purification Methods

Purify the phenol by crystallisation from pet ether (m 51o) and by zone melting. [Beilstein 6 H 359, 6 I 174, 6 II 332, 6 III 1264, 6 IV 1987.]