Chemical history rarely grabs many headlines, but stories behind basic aromatic compounds like 2-Bromo-P-Cresol say quite a bit about progress in organic synthesis and industrial chemistry. After the discovery of cresols in coal tar distillates in the 19th century, chemists in search of new intermediates for dyes, pharmaceuticals, and preservatives started tinkering with halogen substitutions. Bromination came about for cresol derivatives as researchers hunted for molecules with different reactivity and biological performance than the original methylphenols. In university research and chemical company labs, small-scale syntheses using elemental bromine and para-cresol took off by the mid-20th century. The goal: better antiseptics, more responsive chemical reagents, and finer control over how these molecules interacted with living systems or industrial processes. By the time specialty chemical production became global, 2-Bromo-P-Cresol had established itself as a useful piece of the chemical toolkit, never the star player but always turning up in places others overlooked.
2-Bromo-P-Cresol comes defined by its formula C7H7BrO, a brominated aromatic with a methyl group attached to the benzene ring and hydroxyl set at the para position relative to the methyl. The bromine atom sits ortho to the methyl, giving a structure that brings together the reactivity of substituted phenols with the electron-withdrawing influence of bromine. Sticky, off-white to beige powders or faintly yellow crystals are the norm for bulk production, although purity and form can shift depending on crystallization solvents and storage. This compound shows up packaged by grams in research catalogs, and by kilos or drums in process chemical supply chains.
My own time in labs reinforces how crucial it is to know physical characteristics before mixing or scaling up reactions. 2-Bromo-P-Cresol melts in the neighborhood of 52–57°C, which means warm hands or a sunny window sometimes softens it during handling. With boiling points over 250°C, it stays nicely stable at room and even elevated warehouse temperatures. Solubility matches many brominated aromatics: limited in water but much better in ether, alcohol, and organic solvents. Chemical reactivity matches up with other cresols but with a twist—the bromine increases electrophilicity in the ring, especially at available ortho and para positions, opening several avenues for coupling or nucleophilic substitutions. UV absorption also gives it some tools for analytical applications.
Suppliers list purity grades running from 97% on up, with GC or HPLC confirming major content and LC/MS or NMR outlining trace impurities. Spec sheets spell out moisture content, ash level, and melting range. Labeling brings standard GHS warnings: harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, and possible aquatic toxicity. Packages show batch numbers, country of origin, hazard pictograms, and regulatory compliance tags per REACH, TSCA, or local regulations. Every bottle or drum details the handling, use, and disposal as required by safety laws.
Making 2-Bromo-P-Cresol usually starts with para-cresol and liquid bromine. In lab glassware, chilling the cresol in an inert solvent and adding bromine dropwise under stirring gives the monobrominated product most efficiently. Yields often rise by controlling temperature and excess bromine, since overbromination leads to unwanted dibromo isomers. After completion, basic workup relies on neutralization, extractions, and purification through recrystallization or distillation. Industry batches lean hard on process safety—limiting fugitive bromine vapor, collecting all washings, and reclaiming solvents are practical musts in every facility to avoid both accidents and fines.
The bromine atom on the aromatic ring doesn't just sit there as window dressing; it opens paths for Suzuki-Miyaura couplings, nucleophilic substitutions, or more. I’ve seen it used as a gateway to build biphenyl structures, introduce alkoxy or amino groups, or even build up larger dye or drug intermediates step by step. Hydroxyl at the para position holds onto its reactivity—acylation, alkylation, or ether formation can modify the core as needed for downstream chemistry. It plays out as a starting block for whatever rings or chains a chemist wants to assemble in agricultural, material, or pharmaceutical lines.
Most chemical catalogs also call this compound 2-Bromo-4-methylphenol, p-Cresol, 2-bromo-, or 2-Bromo-p-Cresol. CAS numbers flag it as 95-65-8. Some suppliers rotate in code names, batch numbers, or proprietary highlights for tracking inventory or serving niche industries like microelectronics or pigment production.
Safety isn’t negotiable, especially with halogenated aromatics. Contact with skin can cause redness or irritation, and inhaling dust or vapor in unventilated space can do a number on the lungs. Even storage needs attention: keep dry, ventilated, and away from acid chlorides or oxidizers. Reasonable PPE choices include gloves, goggles, and aprons. Proper ventilation keeps fumes at bay, and using extraction hoods prevents both exposure and cross-contamination. Emergency spill plans, labeled storage, and up-to-date safety training keep both people and environment out of harm’s way.
Industry puts 2-Bromo-P-Cresol to work mostly as an intermediate. Take pharmaceuticals: it shapes the path to fungicides, bactericides, and other bioactive agents. In dyes and pigments, its structure serves as a building block, giving rise to more complex colors for textiles and inks. Chemicals researchers rely on its brominated core to test new synthetic methods on small batch scale. Microbial control in preservatives for certain resins or coatings still leans on the unique push-pull of brominated cresols. Sometimes biomedical researchers use it as a probe to investigate enzyme activities or as a precursor in radiolabeling studies.
Recent work in labs and companies focuses on refining the conditions for brominating cresol without overreaction, lowering hazardous byproducts, and minimizing waste. Greener techniques switch out elemental bromine for milder, more selective brominating agents or make use of flow chemistry to limit worker exposure. At least a dozen patents over the past decade tweak reaction conditions or downstream modification to improve yields or handle “tricky” byproducts. Basic research circles back to structure–activity relationships—changing the position or identity of the halogen shifts the biological punch of any pharmaceutical or antimicrobial agent made from it.
Toxicity forms a major checkpoint before any chemical reaches production at scale. Published studies report acute oral toxicity in rodents at moderate doses, though not as severe as polyhalogenated cousins. Skin contact over time leads to irritation but rarely deep tissue damage. Biodegradation rates are slow under typical environmental conditions, so waste streams demand tight controls. Aquatic toxicity suggests a need for care with disposal; it adversely impacts fish and invertebrates at low concentrations. Chronic exposure data remains limited, but no evidence yet marks this compound as a carcinogen. Workplace exposure limits draw on broader aromatic and halogenated phenol data—most facilities treat it with extra caution.
Environmental regulations and demand for greener chemistry might push the industry to revisit how—and whether—to keep producing brominated cresols. Researchers still value the compound’s toolkit of reactivity, but new synthetic strategies may limit or bypass hazardous bromines in favor of less persistent alternatives. Areas like specialty pharmaceuticals and electronics that thrive on subtle structural tweaks will still look to 2-Bromo-P-Cresol as a key intermediate; regulatory pressure and careful stewardship will decide whether its use remains viable over the next half-century. Some see opportunities in suiting it to targeted biomedical research or trace analytical detection, especially as detection limits fall and selectivity grows more valuable. Talking to colleagues, most agree that its future depends less on pure chemical merit than on smart management—from the factory floor to the end product shelf.
2-Bromo-P-Cresol stands out as a simple yet significant compound in organic chemistry. Its formula, C7H7BrO, speaks directly to anyone who’s spent time peering into molecular structures in a classroom or a lab. The formula reveals a backbone of seven carbon atoms, seven hydrogens, one bromine, and an oxygen. Yet there’s more to it than a mere sum of its parts—placement and connection shape its presence and reactivity.
The “P” in P-Cresol points to the para position, so the methyl group sits across from the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring. In this case, the “2-Bromo” tells you a bromine atom drops into the ring on the second carbon, right next to the hydroxyl. If you ever tried drawing this out on notebook paper in high school, you’ll remember the careful numbering—simple, but unforgiving if you get your positions backward. This careful arrangement spells out not only its name, but also hints at how it behaves in real reactions and applications.
Studying a molecule like 2-Bromo-P-Cresol gives insight into the heart of chemistry: structure. This arrangement changes how the compound reacts with light, water, living cells, and other chemicals. With its bromine and hydroxyl combo, this compound tends to show stronger antiseptic properties compared to plain cresol. Making even one tiny change to a ring like this can flip its impact entirely—something any synthetic chemist learns after a day or two of hands-on work.
This particular formula, C7H7BrO, reflects the hard work of generations of chemists who mapped out these structures now standard on classroom walls. Even with years of study, sitting down to sketch and fill in the details once again brings home how placement changes everything. Many life-saving medicines and useful materials start with similar basic formulas, and chemists learn how even small additions, like a bromine atom, can totally shape toxicity, solubility, and effectiveness.
Substances like 2-Bromo-P-Cresol turn up in plenty of specialty applications. Think of the antimicrobial additives in paints, the disinfectants under the sink, or chemical markers in medical research. Industrial hygiene experts keep a keen eye on them—something I’ve noticed tends to separate a prepared facility from one courting trouble. While some cresol derivatives play a role in cleaning and sterilization jobs, working with brominated phenols calls for proper handling. Bromine atoms don’t mess around; exposure can irritate skin or cause respiratory issues if handled without respect for safety data sheets and common sense protection.
Laboratories, hospitals, and plants all rely on cataloging and storing chemicals like this with precision. Sloppy labeling or mismatched storage—more common than you’d think—puts employees at risk. OSHA guidelines keep these risks in check, and most experienced staff don’t skip over things like proper gloves or fume hoods when dealing with aromatic bromine compounds. In my own experience, even seasoned techs benefit from a refresher now and then, especially as inventories grow and change.
Keeping track of compounds isn’t just a clerical chore; it builds trust between staff and supervisors. At times I’ve worked with teams who create their own color-coded charts and visual aids for complex inventories. This simple habit (born from more than a few close calls with poorly marked bottles) can make the difference between smooth operation and serious accident. Safety hinges on clear labels, easy-to-read safety sheets, and a shared sense of accountability.
Sharing experience, both failures and fixes, goes a long way in building good laboratory culture. Chemistry, especially with substances like 2-Bromo-P-Cresol, brings its share of surprises. The more you know its formula and respect what each element brings to the table, the safer and more insightful your work and discoveries become.
Many people in the chemistry and pharmaceutical worlds talk about 2-Bromo-P-Cresol as one of those go-to building blocks. Its power comes from versatility and ease of handling. I’ve watched synthetic chemists reach for it whenever precision matters, especially when creating new compounds that might turn into medicines or specialty chemicals. The bromine atom sitting on the aromatic ring changes how the molecule behaves, making it a workhorse for selective reactions.
Pharmaceutical companies stake a lot on their ability to discover and modify chemical structures quickly. 2-Bromo-P-Cresol gives researchers a shortcut—they use it to introduce specific brominated sites and let other reactions take shape around them. As a laboratory hand, I saw this compound show up in many drug development projects, often as a starting point for synthesizing antibacterial or anti-inflammatory drug candidates. Chemists love working with it when they want to fine-tune properties like potency or safety in early-stage research.
Data drives pharmaceutical choices, so it helps to look at published patents and papers. Dozens of case studies come up where 2-Bromo-P-Cresol becomes part of processes to make intermediates for molecule optimization. This isn’t just theory. Drug development timelines depend on reliable reagents, and every shortcut helps. 2-Bromo-P-Cresol has become a staple on lab shelves because it lowers production barriers in what’s often a high-risk process.
Walk into any lab focused on organic synthesis, and you’ll spot people working with complicated aromatic compounds. Brominated cresols show up because they drive specific substitution reactions. Whether creating dyes, agrochemicals, or custom materials, chemists want control over every atom that gets swapped in or out. I’ve seen 2-Bromo-P-Cresol tossed into the mix when traditional pathways stall out or spill over with unwanted byproducts. The bromine makes a great leaving group, unlocking routes that wouldn’t be possible with a plain cresol ring.
In my own lab experiences, reactions involving this compound sped up timelines for developing new flavors, fragrances, and polymer ingredients. Its popularity stems from predictable behavior under a range of temperatures and solvents. At the end of the day, reliability wins—that’s why you’ll see 2-Bromo-P-Cresol in teaching labs as well as production scaleups.
As chemical manufacturing spreads across the globe, questions about environmental impact and worker safety rise with it. 2-Bromo-P-Cresol is no stranger to these debates. It doesn’t float through the world without some risks. Handling protocols stress proper storage and disposal. I’ve sat through my share of health and safety trainings, and the takeaway is always clear: shortcuts in safety don’t pay off. Companies that set out to meet regulations on hazardous materials never stop reminding workers about risks related to skin contact, inhalation, and accidental spills. A lot of effort goes into education, labeling, and protective gear, especially at larger plants where scale amplifies every danger.
Thinking about the future, I see industry and academia moving toward greener alternatives and safer chemistry. It’s happening in fits and starts. Advances in catalytic methods and bio-based synthesis might trim the need for halogenated compounds like 2-Bromo-P-Cresol, or at least make their handling less risky. The push for sustainability comes with investment in new training and smarter containment systems.
Ultimately, my own time working with 2-Bromo-P-Cresol left me with a respect for its strengths and its challenges. Good science means using every tool wisely, and this compound keeps earning its place for those who know it well.
2-Bromo-P-Cresol shows up as a pale solid that smells a bit like chemicals from an old high school lab. I remember working with similar phenol derivatives under a fume hood, watching that they wouldn’t get too hot or absorb moisture. This compound has a stubborn tendency to react with moisture or strong bases, which means storage can’t be casual. Mishandling could lead to changes in its chemical behavior, or even compromise safety in the storage space.
Temperature swings pose a problem. Heat speeds up chemical reactions, and 2-Bromo-P-Cresol isn’t immune. Most labs keep it around room temperature, ideally in a cool corner—think 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, away from any heat source. My time organizing storerooms taught me that stuff like this can sit quietly at the back, but if the temperature creeps up, you might smell phenol in the air or find unexpected crystals forming. Avoiding direct sunlight helps keep conditions steady. Intense light sometimes breaks down sensitive compounds over time, and I’ve seen faded labels as the first sign of trouble.
The choice of container shapes a compound’s shelf life. 2-Bromo-P-Cresol needs an airtight, tightly sealed container, usually made of glass with a screw cap. Plastic sometimes reacts with phenols, and I’ve seen more than one bottle with a warped lid that let air and humidity sneak in. Some researchers use amber glass bottles to block out light, and that’s not superstition—ultraviolet rays speed up chemical changes. To check moisture, desiccant packs work wonders, though folks often forget to swap them out. Once moisture shows up, clumping begins, and that’s a warning flag.
In shared lab environments, cross-contamination creeps in more often than people admit. If acids or bases spill nearby, the vapors alone could trigger changes. I learned early to shelve 2-Bromo-P-Cresol far from anything volatile or reactive, especially strong oxidizers. Separate storage cabinets work best. Some labs use dedicated refrigerators for sensitive organics, though temperature control is expensive. One small accident with incompatible chemicals could set off a chain reaction that ruins months of work—or worse, puts people at risk.
Safety shows up in more than just gloves and goggles. Local regulations often require chemical storage records, restricted access, and hazard signage. I’ve helped on audits where a missing label counted as a violation. Material safety data sheets lay out clear steps: store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot; lock up toxic substances; know your spill protocol. Sprinklers might feel reassuring, but water can react with certain chemicals, so dedicated chemical fire extinguishers matter in these storage rooms. Knowing where to find the safety shower or eye wash station isn’t optional—it’s basic prep for anyone working with phenols or halogenated compounds.
Even after years working with chemicals, careful handling of compounds like 2-Bromo-P-Cresol doesn’t fade into routine. People rely on structure, attention, and honest communication. Many accidents follow small lapses. Simple steps—like labeling, sealing, checking temperatures, and reviewing storage every month—can keep both the compound and staff safe. It’s more than compliance. It’s looking out for the people who come next, and honoring the work of everyone who depends on clean, reliable samples. In the end, that matters most.
Anyone who’s stepped into a lab or factory knows the hush that settles when the word “hazardous” comes up. It’s tempting to speed through chemical prep and ignore the fine print, especially if you’ve logged years of work without incident. Still, I’ve learned — usually from close calls — that even routine tasks can jump up and bite you if you get lazy with your guard. 2-Bromo-P-cresol is no exception. It may not be the most famous name in chemical circles, but it lands on the list of substances that demand careful handling. Skin irritation, eye damage, and inhalation risks pop up right in its Safety Data Sheet. That’s not something to gloss over. One badly timed spill can mess up more than your workday.
Forget the old days of rolling up sleeves and getting hands-on without barrier gear. Experience has shown me that no job ever ends as quickly as expected when you get chemical burns. It makes sense to suit up with nitrile gloves and splash-resistant goggles before touching 2-Bromo-P-cresol. Some places ask for lab coats, but I go for long sleeves too because skin contact usually happens at the cuff or neck. Those small spots hurt the worst. Fume hoods create a buffer zone and help clear out vapors before they have a shot at your lungs. If you work in a space that skips on good ventilation, don’t take chances: Wear a real respirator and keep windows open. Chemical smells don’t always give a fair warning before doing damage.
A lot of workplace accidents happen from spills, not explosions. I remember a colleague stashing a bottle alongside acids without reading the label — a few days later, glass started pitting from corrosive vapors. Now I always double-check: I keep 2-Bromo-P-cresol in a dry, cool spot, away from acids, bases, and oxidizers. The lid goes back on as soon as possible. Once a bottle leaks, wiping it off without gloves feels easier, but those shortcuts add up. Emergency showers and eyewash stations matter here, and they aren’t just for show. I’ve seen burned forearms heal — but only because the person sprinted to the wash and got that chemical off right away.
No rulebook covers every scenario, which means clear training actually saves skin and eyesight. I push for hands-on refreshers every year so nobody blanks out when alarms ring. The best safety culture grows when people speak up if shortcuts or storage concerns get brushed off. Peer pressure stops corners from getting cut. I keep visible Safety Data Sheets at eye level, not tucked in a folder. Quick access lets coworkers confirm first aid steps or symptoms in seconds, not minutes.
Used gloves, pipettes, contaminated towels — they turn into hazardous waste. Tossing them with regular trash might feel harmless if nobody’s looking, but those bits carry the chemical out of the lab. I’ve watched janitors handle stuff without knowing any better. That’s avoidable. Labeling waste bins and making disposal guidelines plain stops confusion upfront. A decent program includes regular audits, where someone checks if the trash holds what it shouldn’t. Getting this step right means thinking about everyone who deals with the leftovers, not just front-line staff.
Good safety around chemicals doesn’t rely on a pile of forms or posters. It lives in the habits people carry — daily routines, how quickly they slap on gloves, or call out a spill. Experience has convinced me the person who asks questions and double-checks equipment holds more knowledge than the person who brushes it off. Working safely with 2-Bromo-P-cresol isn’t about fear. It’s about respect for what’s possible and responsibility for everyone in the building.
Walking through a lab, I've always paid close attention to the chemical labels. Purity matters more than just a number on paper. 2-Bromo-P-Cresol brings out this debate every time a project calls for precise synthesis or quality control. Anyone who’s handled it knows that a single batch can show up in several purity options, not just “high” or “low.” That detail alone can change reactions, results, and sometimes even cost quite a bit.
2-Bromo-P-Cresol travels through fine chemical markets, appearing in grades from standard to reagent and even extra pure batches. Standard grades usually have more residual starting material or slight side-products. In my experience, those aren’t just academic differences. You can spot them in the color, smell, or how the powder clumps. Once, trying a cheaper grade meant a customer’s research stalled for weeks — unknown impurities in the product triggered failed reactions and bizarre test results. You never want to get that call after shipping out “good enough” chemicals. Regulatory bodies like the ACS and ISO define some grades for analytical or research needs, not just to sound impressive, but because a real difference appears under a GC or HPLC scan.
If you’re formulating for pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals, stricter standards apply by law. Pharmacopeia grades or certified reference materials follow tough specs to keep batch-to-batch consistency. Life science labs testing enzymes or sensors can’t afford to “hope” for low contamination. Every time an impurity gets into a synthesis, it can alter the final compound or even provoke toxic by-products. On the other hand, if you’re working in plastics or dyes, a slightly lower grade can still work fine and keep budgets under control.
Checking purity means more than reading a catalog. Trusted suppliers will always show analytical reports: NMR spectra, mass spec traces, or melting point data. It helps avoid surprises, especially if you end up switching vendors. Some years back, our lab relied on a second source of 2-Bromo-P-Cresol for routine tests. Only after running an in-house GC-MS did the team notice a small, persistent peak unrelated to our intended product. That couple of percent impurity led to headaches, and eventually, a supplier change. It doesn’t just affect chemistry — budgets, timelines, and even workplace trust all get impacted.
Suppliers usually list options for 2-Bromo-P-Cresol, varying by grade and purity percentage. For most industrial needs, grades from around 97% up to 99% purity are offered. Research applications might demand certified ≥99.5% grades, sometimes with explicit documentation showing what’s present in that fraction of a percent. Going for the right grade is less about chasing a perfect number, more about choosing what your process can tolerate, balanced against price and risk.
Skipping over purity levels may seem tempting, especially if timelines are tight or the price seems low. In my experience, those shortcuts rarely pay off. It’s always better to start with a clear understanding of how much purity you truly need, and then push the supplier for documentation and batch consistency. The headaches from guessing — lost days, extra spending, rerunning controls — always overshadow any savings from a quick buy. The best results come from clear communication: laying out what purity you expect, checking the supplier’s data, and sharing feedback if something ever changes. Staying curious, cautious, and informed makes all the difference in choosing the right grade for your work.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 4-Bromo-2-methylphenol |
| Other names |
2-Bromo-4-methylphenol 2-Bromo-p-cresol 4-Methyl-2-bromophenol |
| Pronunciation | /tuː-ˈbroʊmoʊ piː ˈkriːsɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 120-36-5 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1208734 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:84917 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL272661 |
| ChemSpider | 135779 |
| DrugBank | DB08598 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.015.672 |
| EC Number | 604-347-8 |
| Gmelin Reference | 7785 |
| KEGG | C19136 |
| MeSH | D017887 |
| PubChem CID | 134105 |
| RTECS number | GO8225000 |
| UNII | 1LUO5M8981 |
| UN number | 3267 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H7BrO |
| Molar mass | 187.04 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to Off-White Solid |
| Odor | phenolic |
| Density | 1.64 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.9 |
| Vapor pressure | 1.79E-3 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.2 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 11.73 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -52.0 x 10^-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.605 |
| Viscosity | 1.44 cP (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.62 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 129.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -45.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -4564.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302 + H315 + H319 + H335 |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: "P261, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-2-0 |
| Flash point | 124°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 3200 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): 680 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | BX0875000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | REL: 2.5 mg/m3 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
2-Bromophenol p-Cresol 2-Chloro-p-cresol 4-Bromo-2-methylphenol 2-Iodo-p-cresol |
