Chemistry owes much of its progress to the persistence and curiosity of scientists experimenting with both natural and synthetic substances. 2-Nitro-p-Cresol, which also appears in literature as 2-nitro-4-methylphenol, enters the scene during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Researchers exploring aromatic compounds tuned in to the peculiarities of nitration reactions. They focused on cresols because of their accessibility and their links to major industries such as dyes, antiseptics, and resins. The quest to modify these molecules led to the nitro derivatives, including the one at hand. Technology advanced, production upscaled, regulations tightened, but this compound kept a seat at the chemical table thanks to steady demand and versatile chemistry.
2-Nitro-p-Cresol owns a clear spot among specialty aromatic chemicals. Its structure – basically a methyl group and a nitro group attached to a benzene ring – features particular reactivity that finds favor in synthetic labs and production floors alike. Producers and buyers care about purity, cost, and safe handling more than anything. Though smaller-scale use prevails, certain markets bank on consistent supply: dye manufacturers, agricultural chemical formulators, and researchers building complex molecules for pharmaceuticals or polymers. The stuff comes as a yellow to brown crystalline solid, shipped in drums or drums lined with inner bags, all with clear signage pointing to hazards and storage care.
Handling 2-Nitro-p-Cresol lets you encounter classic organic chemistry firsthand. It forms yellow to orange crystals with an earthy odor, sparingly soluble in cold water but increasingly so in hot water. Organic solvents like ethers or alcohols dissolve it much more readily. Its melting point hovers around 79-83°C. The nitro group makes it acidic, while the methyl group influences its reactivity and volatility. Exposing it to light, strong bases, or heat can kick off further reactions, so controlling environmental conditions matters in both lab and plant settings. Its dust is irritating and combustible in air if fine enough, highlighting the necessity of ventilation or explosion-proof facilities.
Every bag or drum of 2-Nitro-p-Cresol needs more than just a name. Manufacturers lay out purity (often 98% and above for most applications), melting range, moisture limit, and residual solvent content. Labels warn about toxicity, flammability, and environmental harm, displaying GHS symbols and hazard statements per regulatory norms like REACH or TSCA. Beyond numbers, batch numbers, date of manufacture, and supplier contact information give buyers traceability. Data sheets fill in details for anyone involved in shipping, storage, spill control, and waste management, keeping everyone educated and regulatory inspectors satisfied.
True to its heritage, the story of 2-Nitro-p-Cresol often starts with a judicious nitration of p-cresol. In practice, concentrated nitric acid meets a cooled solution of p-cresol, often with sulfuric acid present to soak up by-product water. The reaction runs at low temperatures to prevent runaway nitration and unwanted side products. After the initial step, operators isolate the result by extraction, filtration, and crystallization. Washing yields a cleaner product, while care must blunt accidental over-nitration. Every step, from reagent handling to product drying, demands attention to good practice and proven process engineering.
Few chemicals act as such a versatile intermediate as 2-Nitro-p-Cresol. The nitro group opens doors to reduction, giving rise to the corresponding amine – a building block for both dyes and pharmaceuticals. Nitrated cresols serve in the synthesis of azo compounds, a backbone for pigments that color textiles, plastics, and even cosmetics. Acid or base catalysis can shift its methyl or nitro group, expanding its chemical family. Chlorination, sulfonation, and alkylation all become possible thanks to the electron-rich aromatic system, though controlling these reactions demands tight process supervision. Its reactivity hovers between mild and energetic, depending on partner reagents and process setup, which both challenges and rewards competent chemists.
Tracking the paperwork on 2-Nitro-p-Cresol unearths a surprising set of names from over a century of commerce and science. Product lists include 4-methyl-2-nitrophenol, NSC 3655, and p-cresol, 2-nitro-. Older catalogs referenced it as para-cresol-2-nitro or nitro-p-cresol. Globally, suppliers may market it under proprietary product codes or simply as its international chemical identifier. Invoices, manifests, and research reports need careful checking because synonyms sometimes trip up shipping, customs, or regulatory clearance. Trained professionals gain an upper hand in avoiding mislabeling and mix-ups when they're familiar with the spectrum of accepted names.
Any daily interaction with 2-Nitro-p-Cresol calls for respect and adherence to safety norms. Most countries classify it as hazardous, noting risks of skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation. Direct contact and inhalation carry the threat of acute toxicity or longer-term organ effects. Compatible gloves, lab coats, goggles, and, in industrial environments, respirators make a tangible difference for worker safety. Facilities need local exhaust ventilation, dust control systems, and regular staff training on spills and emergencies. Reliable operations rest on following protocols, updating safety data sheets, and ensuring safe disposal of wastes. Nobody gains by underestimating the risks from repeated, low-level exposure, especially since regulators can turn up unannounced for inspections at any time.
The main users of 2-Nitro-p-Cresol turn up in the dye and pigment industry. It builds deep hues for coloring textiles, leathers, and specialty inks. It also slots into pesticide manufacture, adding agents that aid crop protection and seed preservation. Some polymer resins and adhesives draw on nitro-cresol’s properties to modify adhesion and chemical resistance. Academic and industrial labs value it for method development and studies on aromatic chemistry. Technical versatility keeps it a mainstay for formulation scientists, though stricter environmental rules nudge firms toward greener or safer analogs in certain cases. Inventory managers juggle continuous supply while ensuring compliance with both end-user requirements and waste regulations.
Lab benches and process development teams take an active interest in both synthetic methods and downstream uses for 2-Nitro-p-Cresol. Chemists search for more energy-efficient, selective nitration routes or better purification tools to cut costs and environmental impact. Advanced spectroscopy and chromatography refine product quality, supporting more demanding customers in life sciences or electronics. Research into alternative applications – such as anti-corrosive agents or new monomers – remains alive and well. The search for less harmful alternative solvents and greener chemistry links up with university and industrial partnerships. Smart teams apply lessons from small-scale labs to pilot plant setups, easing the tension between productivity and sustainability.
Examining the risks posed by 2-Nitro-p-Cresol sits squarely on the shoulders of toxicologists and environmental health specialists. Experimental work with lab animals reveals that the compound can trigger harmful effects via ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Acute effects include irritant reactions, while chronic exposure can stress liver and kidney functions. Regulatory agencies assess published data and sometimes call for new testing to fill in gaps. Environmental behavior matters too: the compound does not easily break down in soil or water, raising worry about persistence and bioaccumulation. Advocating for proper protective gear, air monitoring, and disposal protocols safeguards not only workers but also communities around production sites.
Looking forward, the future of 2-Nitro-p-Cresol faces cross-pressures from both market demand and social responsibility. Industries value its well-understood properties, consistent quality, and diverse chemistry. Greener chemistry strategies push competitors to develop drop-in replacements with lower health and ecological impacts. Analytical breakthroughs could lower limits of detection and strengthen environmental monitoring. Improved process control and automation can slash waste and energy use, making current methods less damaging and more efficient. As regulatory rules toughen and buyer expectations sharpen, suppliers who invest in product stewardship, transparency, and eco-friendly innovation will set the pace. The legacy and future of 2-Nitro-p-Cresol will hinge on both science and the shared imperatives of safety, quality, and environmental respect.
2-Nitro-p-cresol might not sound familiar unless you’ve spent time in a chemistry lab or around industrial processes. It’s a yellowish powder that smells a bit like phenol. Over the years, I’ve read quite a bit about this compound, especially as debates pop up around chemical safety and manufacturing details. This chemical shows up in textile dyes, pigments, and certain specialty products. It has a technical footprint that reaches further than most people realize.
Look at the way textiles get their deep yellows and oranges. Dye manufacturers turn to 2-nitro-p-cresol to put a punch in synthetic colors. Sometimes, you’ll find it in combinations with other chemicals to stabilize hues, helping fabrics keep their color even after daily wear and washing. School projects about t-shirt dying rarely mention the backstage chemicals, yet compounds like this one keep those colors bold.
Paint and ink industries stock this compound as part of their recipe for long-lasting coloration. A commercial printer or a can of industrial paint often owes its visual punch to chemical intermediates like 2-nitro-p-cresol. This detail proves important because colorfastness means less waste, fewer replacements, and lower long-term costs. Those who run print shops know that substitutions can weaken results, so proven chemicals hold their place on the shelf.
I’ve seen worries from parents and local communities about chemical runoff or possible residuals in final products. It’s wise to watch chemical ingredients closely. Short-term exposure at the workplace can cause health concerns. Skin irritation and breathing troubles show up in reports involving higher concentrations of nitrophenolic compounds. Many countries require careful labeling, and most factories set strict protocols for workers handling it. The need for protective gear and proper training stays high at plants that handle these chemicals. Regular checks and technology updates help reduce accidental releases into the air or water. Regulations exist for good reason.
Based on available data from organizations like the EPA and the European Chemicals Agency, 2-nitro-p-cresol does not accumulate easily in nature. That’s a relief, yet it still poses risks in the short term. I’ve heard from wastewater treatment specialists who track nitrophenol pollution and its effects on aquatic life. Plants and aquatic animals don’t always bounce back quickly after heavy contamination. Manufacturers can switch to closed-loop systems to trap and reuse solvents, cutting down on waste streams. Better training and spill-response planning cut risks further.
Guidelines on worker safety, clear labeling, and better public access to ingredient lists will build trust in the chemical industry. As someone who reads these technical product sheets, I see how important transparency is for buyers and for anyone focused on health. Factories can set up additional monitoring and improve their filtration systems, so they stay compliant and keep communities safe. This push for better safety isn’t about regulation only—it’s about making sure people come home healthy and ecosystems remain balanced.
Companies take a closer look at alternatives. Sometimes a substitute works well, but it’s not always possible to swap out established chemicals overnight. Open conversations between producers, consumers, and scientists help move the industry toward safer streets and cleaner rivers.
2-Nitro-p-cresol keeps color industries running, yet it deserves respect and vigilance as a chemical workhorse. Community awareness helps shape safer workplaces and cleaner neighborhoods. The future rests on science, honest information, and a bit of extra care around every drum and dye vat.
I’ve seen a surprising number of seasoned lab workers get overconfident with substances like 2-Nitro-P-Cresol. This yellowish chemical may look harmless, but it doesn’t cut slack if safety steps fall short. Skin contact can lead to burns, while inhalation brings headaches, nausea, or even worse symptoms depending on exposure.
My time working alongside experienced chemists taught me that proper protection is the base layer of safety. The moment you reach for a new bottle, grab nitrile gloves—latex doesn’t cut it here. Wrap-around safety goggles block splashes that can cause permanent eye injury. Toss on a lab coat or an apron made from a material that resists chemical penetration; regular cotton absorbs droplets in an instant.
Never skip a respirator with organic vapor cartridges if you’re working above bench scale or in a confined area. Standard dust masks won’t provide the needed filter for vapors or fine dusts. Shortcuts open doors for lasting health problems, something nobody wants on their conscience.
Years ago, I watched a colleague handle chemicals in a drafty, poorly ventilated space. The difference became clear after he reported dizziness and skin rashes. 2-Nitro-P-Cresol has a low vapor pressure, so fumes can build up inside still air. A fume hood with certified airflow keeps vapors away from your breathing zone. If resources allow, invest in a splash guard; its value in containing accidents outweighs the cost every time.
Use tightly sealed containers with clear labeling—no abbreviations, no half-torn tape. Accidents pick the easiest targets, and mislabeling just breeds confusion. Spills do happen. A proper spill kit with absorbent pads, neutralizers, and a disposal container right nearby slashes clean-up time and exposure risks.
Folks who view safety measures as mere red tape eventually learn a painful lesson. Routine checks, such as reviewing Safety Data Sheets once a month and inspecting gloves for pinholes, keep bad surprises at bay. Even if a spill seems tiny, cleaning up yourself without reporting can turn a simple incident into a workplace hazard. People depend on their colleagues to speak up so exposure risks don’t spread beyond the person in direct contact.
Eating, drinking, or storing food anywhere near the work area puts everyone at risk. It takes just one slip—a hand with residue touching a sandwich, a mug left on the bench—to make a trip to the emergency room inevitable. I always lock away my snacks before work starts and tell anyone new in the lab to do the same.
Emergencies strike fast. Posting eye wash and emergency shower locations on the wall gives workers seconds they might not have to spare. Keep emergency contacts updated and walk through drills often enough that people act from memory, not panic. Share safety incidents during meetings and encourage questions no matter how inexperienced someone feels. This approach keeps everyone sharp.
Barricading 2-Nitro-P-Cresol behind locked cabinets, logging all usage, and limiting access to trained handlers turns safety from theory into practice. These steps show respect for coworkers, your own health, and the community outside your building. Management sets the tone, but everyone plays a part in keeping accidents from taking root.
Trust experience, stick to proven safety standards, and hold yourself accountable. That’s the structure that keeps chemistry exciting, not dangerous.
2-Nitro-P-cresol walks a peculiar line between chemistry class and real-world industry. Its formula, C7H7NO3, pretty much gives away the fact that we’re dealing with a nitro-cresol compound, which stems from the family of phenols. Breaking it down, this chemical puts a methyl group and a nitro group on a benzene ring—each in its own position. For anyone working in chemistry, manufacturing, or environmental safety, remembering structures like this becomes second nature. You need to keep an eye on both the risks and the potential value of handling such substances.
This compound isn’t a random arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. The backbone comes from p-cresol (which is para-cresol or 4-methylphenol). In this setup, a methyl group hooks up at the fourth carbon on the benzene ring, with a hydroxyl group right across at the other side. Slap a nitro group (NO2) onto the second carbon and you get 2-nitro-4-methylphenol—commonly known as 2-nitro-p-cresol. Ball-and-stick models, or skeletal formulas sketched out on scrap paper, all mean business here: C7H7NO3 tells you the ratio, but the real meaning sits in the map of the molecule.
I’ve spent time in university labs and spoken with chemical engineers who handle specialty chemicals like this each day. 2-Nitro-p-cresol doesn’t live in a vacuum. It shows up in some industrial dye and pigment manufacturing, and some specialized plastic products. For chemists, the arrangement of its groups translates to specific reactivity—meaning certain reactions can be triggered (or avoided) based on what jobs need doing. Nitro groups increase electron withdrawal from the aromatic ring, changing how this molecule interacts, decomposes, or dissolves. Thinking about how it’s made or broken down—these aren’t details to skim over if safety’s riding on accuracy.
Workplace exposure to nitro arenes raises more than one red flag. 2-Nitro-p-cresol, like similar compounds, can have effects if handled carelessly. In real-world terms, that’s headaches, irritation, or worse if someone isn’t following the right safety protocols. Traces in groundwater or air can linger. I’ve read cases of soil contamination linked to mishandled chemicals from old industrial sites, and compounds like this don’t just vanish overnight. Thinking about the rapid pace of chemical manufacturing in developing countries, strong environmental regulations become the frontline defense. There’s plenty of room for better oversight and tougher waste treatment rules to keep both people and environments out of harm’s way.
Substitution with safer chemicals often gets thrown around as the obvious fix. That’s not always realistic. So resources must shift toward proper training, labeling, and storage. Having clear, enforceable exposure standards—and sticking to them—has to be more than a checkbox exercise. Green chemistry stands as a beacon. Developing new synthesis routes or using catalysts that lower byproduct formation can shrink a lab’s or factory’s risk profile. Everyone has a part to play: clear regulations, a commitment to transparency, and investment in remediation technologies give a fighting chance for community health and responsible industry growth.
Anyone dealing with 2-nitro-p-cresol knows the sharp, almost medical smell it gives off. Folks in the chemical industry have probably felt the sting in their nose or eyes from just a little bit of careless handling. Over time, workers have learned to respect even small bottles of it. This compound, used in dyes and chemical synthesis, does not forgive a sloppy approach. Keep it out on a hot loading dock and somebody gets a headache. Stack containers next to the cleaning supplies or somewhere with paper dust, and the fire risk jumps. Avoiding these mistakes keeps people out of the emergency room, and it keeps operations running smoothly.
Everyone who has worked with chemical stock rooms knows the golden rule: learn the quirks of each substance. 2-nitro-p-cresol behaves like many nitro-aromatics—sensitive to heat, sensitive to flame, not a fan of sunlight. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids work best, because this chemical can eat through cheap plastics over time. The right containers block leaking fumes, and the thick glass means accidental drops don’t turn a spill into a disaster.
Never store this compound near basic substances or strong acids. Anybody who’s seen an unlabeled shelf in a lab knows the temptation to set something down for “just a moment” can lead to nasty surprises. Storing 2-nitro-p-cresol away from bleach, peroxides, and other reactive chemicals lowers the chance of a runaway reaction. Many labs mark a specific shelf—some even dedicate a flammables cabinet just for nitro compounds. The air in there stays dry, since dampness can spur slow decomposition.
Ventilation makes a huge difference. Facilities with open shelving in a climate-controlled room enjoy fewer headaches and less eye irritation. Chemical odors can build up quickly in tight cupboards. Airflow sends them outside, not into people’s lungs. I have seen labs retrofit old storage with exhaust fans just because everyone started coughing after five minutes near the cabinet.
Old training videos show what happens if a glass jar of 2-nitro-p-cresol cracks during a fire—it quickly feeds the flames. Keep these jars away from pilot lights, exposed wiring, and direct sunlight. Even though the probability of spontaneous ignition seems low, years of fire drills prove it pays off to treat these risks seriously. A few extra steps—fireproof cabinets, fire extinguishers rated for chemical fires, labeling those cabinets—set a clear message to staff and inspectors alike.
Nobody likes paperwork from a fire incident, but people like chemical burns even less. It helps to keep an updated safety data sheet nearby, not stashed in a binder under three feet of catalogs. New team members have an easier time staying safe if the ground rules are clear and the information sits in plain sight.
Any facility manager who’s dealt with a surprise audit knows large containers bring big headaches. Only order as much as you really need. Smaller bottles mean less risk, easier handling, and fewer headaches for workers. If something goes wrong with a small batch, it rarely escalates to something that gets news coverage.
Working with chemicals means accepting small risks, but practicing smart storage pays off every day. Fact: Simple habits—keep it cool, keep it dry, keep it labeled—mean fewer injuries and a more reliable workplace. It costs less than an emergency room visit, and it keeps the conversation focused on progress, not regrets.
Most people don’t come across 2-Nitro-P-Cresol in their daily routines. The chemical mostly hangs around in certain workplaces, especially factories using it to make dyes, pigments, or pharmaceuticals. Some folks who spend years on the job without proper respiratory or skin protection might end up breathing in its dust or vapors, or picking it up through direct skin contact. Even the occasional spill can affect people nearby, especially in places with limited air circulation.
We’ve seen research linking 2-Nitro-P-Cresol exposure to real health problems. In animal studies, scientists noticed liver and kidney damage along with signs of irritation in the respiratory and digestive tracts. People exposed to higher amounts have reported headaches, dizziness, and nausea—not stuff you can just ignore or push through on a work shift. Skin or eye contact can lead to irritation or rashes, especially after repeated exposure over weeks or months. Some reports mention allergic reactions, too.
If the chemical is inhaled or swallowed, it can reach organs and stick around long enough to do some internal harm. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) hasn’t pinned this compound as a confirmed human carcinogen, but many nitroaromatic chemicals, which share similar structures, can increase long-term risks of certain cancers. So, it’s not just about what’s been confirmed, but what patterns show across the whole group.
These risks might feel remote for most people, but for those spending their lives around this stuff, there’s no substitute for proper protection. Airborne dust masks, gloves, and careful handling all matter. The problem gets bigger in factories or labs that don’t invest in routine safety drills or inspections. Adequate ventilation, regular surface cleaning, and prompt containment of spills shouldn’t be options. Even one bad episode means trouble for everyone involved.
Companies can do a better job by updating safety data sheets and making sure staff know the symptoms to watch for. I remember a friend who developed a nasty rash after handling chemicals without gloves during rush-hour cleanup. He shrugged it off, but after multiple exposures, he ended up with allergic reactions for years he never expected. Education makes a massive difference—nobody gets to skip out on training just because they’re in a hurry or short-staffed.
Workplaces using 2-Nitro-P-Cresol should introduce regular health checks, looking for early warning signs instead of waiting for bigger problems. Medical surveillance paired with easy reporting can cut down on long-term surprises. Engineers have built better containment and ventilation systems, and these come with clear instructions for maintenance. Also, switching to less hazardous alternatives, if possible, helps everyone sleep better at night.
Community awareness matters, too. Local environmental groups can press factories for regular disclosure about spills or emissions. Lawmakers and regulators must hold companies accountable with clear enforcement, not just recommendations. Real fines for shortcuts keep safety in focus from the boardroom down to the shop floor.
Living in a world that runs on chemicals shouldn’t mean trading good health for convenience. Being honest about risks, willing to invest in safety, and sharing lessons from tough experiences allows everyone to move forward with fewer regrets and stronger protections.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-nitro-4-methylphenol |
| Other names |
2-Nitro-4-methylphenol 2-Nitro-p-cresol 2-Hydroxy-5-nitrotoluene 4-Methyl-2-nitrophenol |
| Pronunciation | /ˈtuː ˈnaɪtroʊ ˈpiː ˈkrɛsoʊl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 119-33-5 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1208736 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:34660 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL502090 |
| ChemSpider | 16215 |
| DrugBank | DB14085 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 028-022-00-0 |
| EC Number | 202-591-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 845 |
| KEGG | C06501 |
| MeSH | D009636 |
| PubChem CID | 16311 |
| RTECS number | GO9625000 |
| UNII | EN3463H0GI |
| UN number | UN1323 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H7NO3 |
| Molar mass | 153.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.32 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.91 |
| Vapor pressure | 2.89E-4 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.05 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 9.86 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -79.0 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.615 |
| Viscosity | Viscosity: 1.271 cP (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.95 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 143.2 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -64.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -2671 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D08AX04 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P301+P312, P330, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-2-0-ox |
| Flash point | 109 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | > 470 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | Rat oral LD50 650 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 2400 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) |
| NIOSH | SN38570 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for 2-Nitro-P-Cresol: "5 mg/m³ |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.07 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 100 mg/m3 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
4-Nitrophenol 2-Nitrotoluene 4-Nitro-m-cresol 2-Nitroresorcinol |
