Chemistry, much like history itself, collects stories over decades. 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol tells one of those stories. In the post-war industrial expansion era, research into substituted cresols gained steam, especially for their potential roles in dye manufacture and pharmaceuticals. Laboratories across Europe and the United States, supported by texts on aromatic amine derivatives, cataloged new application areas for compounds like 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol. Its emergence coincided with the rise of phenolic antioxidants and synthetic intermediates for organic pigments. Process developments reflected broader shifts—bench-scale reactions to industrial-scale synthesis mirrored the way specialty chemicals started to shape modern manufacturing.
3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol presents itself as a fine crystalline powder, usually pale brown to off-white. Direct exposure to humidity can cause clumping or slight color change. In labs, bottles rest within reach among a crowd of methylated phenols and substituted anilines. This compound typically enters the scene as an intermediate, part of the toolkit used by synthetic chemists during the preparation of more complex molecules. Its utility often gets highlighted in pigment research, and sometimes in chemical biology when designing enzyme probes. While not sold by every chemical supplier, it turns up in specialized catalogues and makes its way into academic research and niche industrial applications.
The substance has a molecular formula of C9H13NO, trending toward a melting point around 95–99°C and solubility in organic solvents such as ethanol, chloroform, and ether. On the bench, its characteristic odor is faint but distinct, typical of cresolic substances. Chemical reactivity stands out, especially with nitrosation, acylation, and alkylating agents. Phenolic OH lends it moderate acidity, enough to participate readily in hydrogen bonding. Ethylamino substitution at the meta position imparts a small but meaningful twist to how it behaves in both polar and non-polar environments. The compound resists full hydrolysis under weak conditions but suffers oxidative degradation under strong oxidants. Shelf life, assuming it’s stored in a cool, dry, amber-glass environment, persists for a few years without much complaint.
Labs expect detailed labeling: compound name, batch number, CAS registration, and a purity statement—often above 97%. Labels advise on storage, with manufacturers suggesting temperatures below 25°C and protection from direct sunlight. A glance at any respectable specification sheet brings up data on melting point, appearance, solubility profile, and chromatographic purity assessment. Spectral characterization often includes proton and carbon NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. Sometimes GC-MS or LC-MS retention data helps identify traces of isomeric or decomposition impurities.
The classic synthesis of 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol usually starts from P-cresol. Etherification, halogenation, or diazotization create a leaving group at the 3-position, establishing a foothold for later steps. Laboratories often favor a nucleophilic aromatic substitution, with ethylamine introduced under controlled temperature and solvent conditions. Some refinements use metal-catalyzed cross-coupling to overcome steric hindrance, yielding a cleaner product with fewer side reactions. Purification follows through crystallization or column chromatography. Waste management becomes an ever-pressing concern. These steps form part of my own experience running bench-scale organic syntheses—it’s rare to get clean product on the first try, so patience during recrystallization pays off. Cost, environmental regulations, and scalability all factor into any change in protocol.
Reactive groups on 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol—hydroxyl and ethylamino—open a window for substitution, oxidation, and coupling reactions. Electrophilic aromatic substitution can target the four-position, expanding synthetic flexibility. N-alkylation or acylation enriches the utility when crafting dye intermediates or bioactive molecules. Chemists sometimes exploit oxidative coupling to build biaryl linkages or form larger phenolic frameworks. I remember several occasions in research groups where similar intermediates offered surprisingly robust pathways to unusual colorants, outperforming unsubstituted cresols in both stability and shade intensity. Reversible protonation and deprotonation of the amine group under mild acid or base conditions also tailor the reagent’s use in buffered aqueous environments. New methods have explored catalytic hydrogenation and photoredox processes to produce modified derivatives, minimizing environmental load and delivering impressive selectivity.
The chemical world rarely settles on just one name. 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol goes by several aliases, including 4-Methyl-3-(ethylamino)phenol and 3-Ethylaminop-cresol. Various suppliers market it by catalog numbers, sometimes using slightly different IUPAC conventions or common names—this can create confusion for newcomers, as I’ve seen firsthand during inventory checks. It underscores the need for diligence in cross-referencing CAS numbers and synonyms to avoid ordering mistakes or regulatory compliance issues.
Working with 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol means maintaining good laboratory discipline. Standard operating procedures prioritize minimizing inhalation or skin contact—nitrile gloves, lab coats, and proper fume hood ventilation prove standard. Material Safety Data Sheets point toward moderate irritation risk for eyes and skin and outline first aid steps, which involve copious rinsing and medical evaluation for persistent symptoms. Disposal must adhere to local hazardous waste guidelines, avoiding release into sanitary drains or regular refuse streams. Any spill above a few grams warrants a designated cleanup protocol. Regulatory attention focuses on safe storage, with segregated placement away from oxidizers and acids. Fire risk remains low but non-negligible; phenolic vapors can catch flame above certain thresholds, so ignition sources should stay clear of handled powders and solvents.
Across industry and academia, 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol gets its biggest spotlight in dye manufacture and pigment preparation. It serves as a key intermediate for azo and anthraquinone dyes; some research points to use in hair colorants, where chemical stability and vibrancy stand as selling points. In my own university days, pigment chemistry labs highlighted specific cresol derivatives for their color-fastness and binding among fibers and plastics. Newer applications probe utility in polymer stabilizers or antioxidants, leveraging the phenolic core’s electron-donating power to protect sensitive materials from oxidative degradation. Some exploratory work investigates roles as biochemical probes for enzymes, thanks to amine and hydroxyl functional groups engaging in selective binding or detection settings.
Over the last decade, published studies map growing curiosity about greener synthesis, such as solventless protocols or biocatalytic conversion routes. Innovation sometimes revolves around dual-function materials, where one molecule offers color stability and anti-microbial benefits, streamlining formulation complexity. Advances in analytical chemistry make tracking impurities easier, boosting confidence in final product integrity. Industrial partners keep pressing researchers for cost-reducing process changes, scaling pilot-plant methods for greater yields. In academic workshops, researchers test new functional group modifications, targeting applications in electronic materials or new classes of diagnostic agents. It’s not all theoretical: joint ventures between chemical suppliers and consumer product companies often drive the search for more sustainable additive packages.
Every chemical introduces a combination of risk and benefit. 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol does not escape the need for scrutiny. Animal models suggest mild acute toxicity, with dose-dependent irritant effects on skin and mucosal membranes. Chronic exposure data remains sparse, but comparisons with similar cresols point toward manageable hazard when managed thoughtfully. Toxicological studies on metabolic breakdown highlight routes through hydroxylation and amine acetylation, lessening persistence inside living organisms. Environmental degradation relies on both microbial and photolytic breakdown, but monitoring chemical runoff in production facilities stays important. Worker health surveys, while limited in scope, have not uncovered lasting adverse trends among small-scale handlers provided adequate protective measures are followed. Regulators flag this compound for targeted risk assessment in high-use scenarios, pushing companies to refine engineering controls and review personal protective equipment effectiveness regularly.
Demand for specialty phenolic intermediates keeps growing in response to advances in materials and synthetic biology. Sustainable chemistry frameworks may shift production approaches toward renewable feedstocks and low-impact processing for 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol. Researchers continue plugging away at designing derivatives for energy storage devices, pharmaceuticals, and smart polymers. Ongoing work explores integration with high-throughput screening methods, offering a foothold in the growing field of automated molecular discovery. Feedback loops between regulatory shifts and practical lab experience shape the search for safer, greener, and more versatile synthetic strategies. Chemical informatics and machine learning now feed into product development, expediting identification of performance-boosting modifications. The horizon for 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol stays busy, with both old uses and new possibilities creating a steady current of innovation.
I have seen a handful of chemical names that get overlooked, yet they shape all sorts of products. 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol is one of those ingredients with a low profile but a real presence in the coloring business, mainly in hair dye formulas. It acts as an intermediate colorant, helping give hair shades a certain resilience and vibrancy. Folks who study ingredient lists on hair color boxes might miss it, but it often plays an active part behind the scenes, offering tint adjustments and helping the color last.
Mainstream hair coloring shifts between gradual and dramatic changes, and the compounds that deliver the results often share a knack for stability and effectiveness. 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol works as a secondary intermediate—essentially, it combines with other coloring agents to develop darker tones and richer hues. This direct interaction means it shapes the final appearance you see in the mirror after rinsing out the dye.
Most hair dyes use a mix of color precursors, oxidizing agents, and stabilizers. During the actual coloring process, 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol reacts with hydrogen peroxide and other aromatic amines or phenols. The result is a wider palette of browns, reds, and violets, which hang on through weeks of washing. Before earning a spot in commercial formulas, ingredient suppliers put chemicals like this through rounds of quality and safety testing to keep up with beauty industry regulations.
Sharing facts and real experiences helps keep safety front and center. While cosmetic chemists rely on compounds like 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol for their predictable coloring chemistry, they don’t lose sight of consumer health. Scientific committees in regions like the EU and the US look closely at each intermediate for signs of allergenic reactions, toxicity, and mutagenic risks. Though this chemical hasn’t flagged severe long-term risks in normal use, patch testing stays standard advice for anyone using permanent or semi-permanent hair colorants.
A close friend once switched hair products and ended up with a mild rash around the hairline. Diving into the issue with her, we checked the ingredients and found several aromatic amines, including similar cresol derivatives. Her dermatologist encouraged her to patch test all colorants going forward, which led her to avoid trouble since. Personal stories like hers show the value of real-world caution in addition to lab data.
People are growing more aware of what they apply to their skin and scalp. Green chemistry has pushed labs to search for alternatives to traditional intermediates, seeking plant-based colorants or less reactive synthetic blends. Still, 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol remains in circulation because it works and passes regulatory limits. Some salons and at-home users opt for lower-ammonia dyes or semi-permanent botanical blends, but fully clean labels remain tough to achieve.
Progress will rely on innovation and consumer pressure. Scientists keep screening new compounds for lower risk, and regulatory agencies update safety files as more data comes in. With companies now listing full ingredients and supplying allergy information, transparency has improved. Consumers keep the ball rolling by reading labels, asking questions, and demanding better choices.
Products containing compounds like 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol reflect a blend of science, safety oversight, and market demand. As public curiosity rises and demand for clean cosmetics strengthens, companies and chemists will keep testing—and retesting—new solutions. The end goal is simple: effective products that protect users’ style and well-being.
3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol lands on the list of chemicals that deserve respect and clear-headed handling. From my time in the lab, anytime an aromatic amine comes into play, I start by reading the safety data sheet. Sometimes the risks aren’t obvious at a glance, but they stick with you if you’ve ever had a close call. Exposure brings real health risks — irritation, allergic reactions, or more severe problems after long exposure or big spills.
Proper gloves matter, and not all lab gloves stand up to this compound. Nitrile usually covers it, but always double-check compatibility. Goggles, not just glasses, keep splashes out of your eyes. Once, I watched a co-worker ignore this step, and a minor splash turned into an urgent trip to the eyewash. A full lab coat and closed shoes round out the basic armor, since having bare arms or open footwear risks direct contact.
Fume hoods aren’t overkill. They’re essential for avoiding inhalation. I worked with a team that tried to shortcut this by working on a crowded benchtop once. We all noticed headaches and respiratory irritation by midday. That taught us to treat fume hoods as non-negotiable. Airflow pulls unpleasant fumes away before you breathe them in.
Spill kits belong within arm’s reach. I never walk into a work area without checking for an absorbent material, gloves, a disposal bag, and a plan for evacuation if a big spill hits the floor. Immediate action limits how much the exposure spreads. Never use your bare hands — even a brief touch can cause skin problems down the road.
Every bottle of 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol I’ve seen comes with instructions on disposal. This isn’t something that goes down the drain. Dedicated waste containers labeled for hazardous organic chemicals keep everything separate. Facilities need to store that waste securely until a certified company picks it up. Accidental mixing causes dangerous reactions — something no one wants in their building.
Everyone, from new interns to seasoned techs, needs regular safety refreshers. At my last workplace, we ran monthly drills and talked through near misses so everyone learned from the group. Safety culture thrives on clear communication. Reporting something that feels off, like a tiny spill or a whiff of odor, can head off bigger problems. Encouraging questions and never brushing off concerns keeps everyone safer.
Trusting the science, but trusting your own habits even more, means pausing for that extra pair of gloves or waiting to shift work into a fume hood. Most accidents in chemical handling come from shortcuts, distractions, or the sense that “it’ll be fine this once.” I’ve seen careful habits protect health over the long haul. Basics like glove checks, goggle use, and good airflow put you ahead — long before any real emergency forces those lessons on you the hard way.
Organic chemistry tends to make people uneasy, but grappling with the structure of 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol can actually help explain some broader patterns in modern science. This molecule doesn’t just exist in a vacuum. Its structure gives clues about how it behaves, how it might interact in both natural and industrial settings, and even about its potential risks or benefits if used by people.
Let’s get specific. 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol belongs to the phenol family, which means it carries a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached. "P-Cresol" refers to the para position of a methyl group (-CH3) on the benzene ring. The “3-Ethylamino” label signals an ethylamino group (-NHCH2CH3) stuck to the third carbon on that ring. Putting it all together, you get a benzene ring with three groups attached: a hydroxyl group, a methyl group at the para (4) position, and an ethylamino group at the meta (3) position.
To visualize this, imagine the benzene ring as a clock:
This arrangement shapes everything: solubility, reactivity, safety, and usefulness in labs or industries.
Studying chemicals like 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol matters for a reason. Phenol compounds crop up in dye manufacture, antiseptics, and even pharmaceuticals, but they often bring toxicity concerns. Early in my chemistry training, our professors drilled into us the connection between molecular structure and toxicity. That ethylamino group can turn a simple phenol into an entirely different beast, changing its human health profile. Modest tweaks on a benzene ring can make something less irritating or, in some cases, far more hazardous.
Safety matters for anyone handling such chemicals. I’ve watched professionals suit up in gloves and goggles just to measure a few milliliters—small exposure risks add up. Similar cresol derivatives have caused severe skin and respiratory damage. Once, during a lab mishap, a drop of cresol compound landed on a colleague’s arm and left a nasty burn in minutes, a stark reminder of how a seemingly mundane molecule can pack a punch.
Depth in chemical structure knowledge helps prevent missteps. Scientists, regulators, and even journalists have a duty to check facts and make sure the pathway from lab to the real world gets guarded with knowledge and caution. Earning trust in science involves clear information, solid references, and a focus on firsthand practices for safe handling.
Regulatory agencies like OSHA and the EPA monitor cresol derivatives, and strict labeling keeps hazardous products from creeping into everyday items. Fact sheets and safety protocols should cover what actually matters: what groups appear on the ring, which ones are the most reactive, and how to handle spills fast. Making this information open and understandable gives workers and citizens more control, not less.
In a world where new chemicals pop up every week, paying close attention to the structure of molecules like 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol fosters better understanding, safer workplaces, and public trust. Sharing firsthand experience doesn’t just demystify science, it arms us all against accidents or misuse. That’s the real value in digging into chemical structures: reducing harm and building up confidence in the work behind each bottle or beaker.
3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol may not show up on most folks’ radar, but ignoring storage methods for any chemical—especially less-familiar ones—sets up trouble you might not see coming. I’ve worked in labs where even small missteps snowballed into bigger problems. With something like 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol, handling it wrong doesn’t always show an immediate reaction, but the risks multiply over time. Direct sunlight, exposure to moisture, or even storing it in the wrong kind of container can spoil a batch or, worse, lead to dangerous conditions for people sharing that space.
Chemicals piled together without clear separation or clear marking are a recipe for confusion and risk. Simple mistakes like mixing up bottles, whether at work or in school labs, could result in contamination, spilling, or exposure that gets workers sick or causes property damage. To avoid these headaches with 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol, it helps to start with proper labeling and documentation. Every bottle deserves a clear label showing the chemical name, date received, and batch information. These details sound basic but make it possible to track if there are any recalls or if the storage timeline has run longer than recommended. In the labs I’ve seen, labeling cuts down on wild guessing and stops folks from reaching for the wrong material in a hurry.
Moisture can break down or change the nature of chemicals, and heat speeds up those risks. Cool, dry storage—think a well-ventilated chemical cabinet away from any sunlight—ensures that 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol holds up over time. I once saw lab-grade equipment lose effectiveness because humidity seeped into the original containers. For 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol, sealing tight lids and watching the room's humidity makes a huge difference. Keeping the area under 25°C, and never exposing it to temperature swings or sunlight, just makes sense.
Mixing the wrong chemicals can kick off fires or unpleasant fumes. 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol should never share a shelf with oxidizers, acids, or strong bases. Some of the worst headaches I've seen in chemical storerooms happened when staff assumed any shelf would work. It pays off to keep a separate spot marked out, only for chemicals like this one that react badly when mixed with stronger agents. Segregation can be as simple as a clearly-marked shelf or a proper hazardous material cabinet with internal dividers.
Nobody expects an accident, but unplanned spills still happen. For this reason, the storage site needs more than chemicals and a locked door. Spill kits, basic personal protective gear, and a posted emergency plan turn a panicked scramble into a routine cleanup. Having these items close at hand helped my team dodge big messes more than once when someone knocked over a bottle or set down a container carelessly.
Without routine checks, expired or leaking containers go unnoticed. Audits, monthly if possible, pick up on problems like corrosion, improper seals, or misplaced supplies. Bringing in a checklist and fresh eyes, even on materials you think you know, lowers the chance of mistakes. In my own work, regular reviews felt like overkill—until they caught a slow leak nobody else had noticed. No fancy tech needed, just a bit of vigilance and commitment.
Clear storage protocols and respect for materials protect people, workplaces, and communities. Keeping 3-Ethylamino-P-Cresol safe isn’t about following orders blindly, but knowing why each rule matters. Connect the dots between smart storage, daily safety, and good work habits to make a real difference.
Anyone who’s worked in a lab or manufacturing plant gets used to seeing strange chemical names. 3-Ethylamino-p-cresol doesn’t sound friendly, and questions about its safety definitely matter, especially for those who handle chemicals day in and day out. The compound pops up in niche industrial applications, such as in dyes and specialty coatings. Not many outside of those circles ever hear about it. But safety doesn’t rely on popularity—it relies on real information about how this substance interacts with the human body.
Let’s get straight to it: 3-Ethylamino-p-cresol falls into the phenol family. My experience with phenolic compounds in the lab tells me they deserve respect. Even common phenols, which end up in antiseptics and cleaners, can cause skin irritation or worse if you let them sit on your skin. Beyond surface-level issues, several phenolic chemicals have proven toxic to the liver and kidneys with repeated exposure. Just touching isn’t the only issue—inhalation or accidental ingestion gets risky fast.
Published animal studies on close chemical relatives point to organ damage at high doses. Many phenol derivatives break down inside the body into reactive molecules. The immune system and the liver both have a tough time dealing with this kind of chemical stress. A cursory search of public chemical safety databases, such as PubChem and the ECHA database, shows that information on 3-Ethylamino-p-cresol itself is limited. That lack of transparency about toxicity strikes me as a big red flag. Historically, chemicals that haven’t been deeply studied often end up more dangerous than manufacturers guess at first.
People in chemical factories sometimes see safety as red tape, but that mindset doesn’t hold up. Working alongside folks who brushed aside gloves and goggles, I saw firsthand how skin rashes and headaches followed those who underestimated solvents and specialty chemicals. 3-Ethylamino-p-cresol hasn’t reached mainstream infamy like benzene or formaldehyde, but that shouldn’t lull anyone into thinking it’s safe without proof. No government agency, including OSHA or NIOSH, has public exposure limits specific to this compound yet. Whenever that gap exists, workers carry extra risk on their shoulders.
Anyone who prepares, handles, or transports the substance shouldn’t rely on luck. At the very least, chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation should be standard practice, whether handling small samples or running large production batches. In the places I’ve worked, safety officers insisted we approach new compounds like unknown wild animals—move carefully, keep data logs, and don’t skip decontamination. That approach reduces surprises and gives you real information for doctors if an exposure ever occurs.
Rather than waiting for regulations to catch up, companies using 3-Ethylamino-p-cresol should invest in getting their material safety data sheets (SDS) reviewed by independent toxicologists. Better labeling and more transparent hazard assessments do more to protect workers and communities than after-the-fact apologies ever will. As someone who’s spent years cleaning up spills and listening to colleagues’ stories, taking chemicals seriously from the start seems like common sense, not just bureaucracy.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 3-Ethylamino-4-methylphenol |
| Other names |
4-Hydroxy-N-ethyl-3-methylaniline N-Ethyl-3-methyl-4-aminophenol |
| Pronunciation | /ˈθriː ˌɛθɪlˌæmɪnoʊ piː ˈkrɛsoʊl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 1200-19-1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3d:jmol/CCNC1=CC(=CC=C1)C` |
| Beilstein Reference | **1360801** |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:38661 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2106351 |
| ChemSpider | 163889 |
| DrugBank | DB08793 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.142.747 |
| EC Number | 223-093-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 729893 |
| KEGG | C18712 |
| MeSH | D004542 |
| PubChem CID | 34643 |
| RTECS number | GO3150000 |
| UNII | 4H29X6BQX9 |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID60138309 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C9H13NO |
| Molar mass | 151.22 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow crystalline powder |
| Odor | no data |
| Density | 1.087 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.73 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0000686 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.2 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 7.80 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -54.17×10-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.6040 |
| Dipole moment | 3.02 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 189.92 J/(mol·K) |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -25.89 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3736 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D02AE02 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS06, GHS08 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P271, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P362+P364 |
| Flash point | Flash point: 110°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 570 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 1470 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | SN8750000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
4-Amino-m-cresol 3-Methylamino-p-cresol 4-Ethylamino-m-cresol p-Cresol |
