Early research into aromatic compounds set the stage for discoveries like 3-Methoxyphenol, sometimes called m-Guaiacol. Chemists in the nineteenth century often isolated it from creosote and guaiac wood during their experiments with plant resins and tars. Before mass production processes took hold in the chemical industry, extraction from natural sources formed the backbone of supply. With industrial chemistry advancing throughout the twentieth century, synthetic production routes began to overshadow natural extraction. In my own college chemistry classes, historical context around these shifts in supply chains always sparked discussion about how human curiosity combined with necessity drives new pathways in chemical manufacturing. The race to isolate, purify, and understand phenolic compounds reflected an era eager for new antiseptics, flavors, and pharmaceutical precursors.
3-Methoxyphenol stands out among phenolic ethers for its versatility. Known by names like m-Guaiacol or 3-Hydroxyanisole, this compound's aromatic structure links a methoxy group to the third carbon of the phenol ring. Industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to agriculture value 3-Methoxyphenol for its reactivity, moderate polarity, and moderate solubility. Its role often centers as an intermediate, helping bridge raw materials and high-value specialty compounds. Pharmacies sometimes rely on derivatives formed from 3-Methoxyphenol as antitussive agents or flavor enhancers in cough syrups. My time in a fragrance lab reminded me how companies favor it for stable aromatic notes in smaller-scale formulations, especially in eastern markets where botanically inspired compounds capture market share.
The properties of 3-Methoxyphenol shape its application landscape. At room temperature, the compound appears as colorless to pale-yellow crystals or a clear liquid, giving off a slightly smoky, phenolic odor. The melting point usually hits between 41°C and 45°C, with boiling occurring around 243°C. Many solvents take up 3-Methoxyphenol easily, especially ethyl alcohol and ether, making separation and formulation straightforward. The molecular formula C7H8O2 sets its molar mass at 124.14 g/mol. The phenolic hydrogen brings weak acidity, though not to the extent of stronger acids. Storage usually calls for dry, airtight conditions, as phenols have a habit of darkening with exposure to air and light. Anyone who's handled open bottles in a humid storeroom knows how quickly phenolic solutions start picking up color or developing off-odors.
Labeling follows international hazard and transport standards. Typical technical grades specify purity over 99%, moisture content below 0.5%, and trace metal residues below 10 ppm. Safety Data Sheets often warn about mild skin and respiratory irritation. Global Harmonized System classification gives 3-Methoxyphenol precautionary signals for toxicological monitoring and safe handling. Labels in the US market carry UN numbers for safe transportation because concentrated phenolics trigger regulatory thresholds. In China and Europe, manufacturers meet stricter documentation, reporting both CAS numbers (150-19-6) and batch-level traceability data. In my brief stint managing inventory for a specialty chemicals wholesaler, our main challenge came from aligning customer requests with rapidly evolving global compliance standards—every shipment needed seamless labeling, documentation, and digital traceability or we'd field calls for weeks.
Production now leans on two main approaches: methylation of resorcinol and demethylation of vanillin or anisole derivatives. The methylation route takes resorcinol, a less costly phenol, and reacts it with dimethyl sulfate or methyl iodide in basic conditions. This route limits side reactions and suits modern, high-volume manufacturing settings. The demethylation process starts from guaiacol or vanillin, treating starting materials with strong acids or bases to cleave unwanted methyl groups. Companies closer to natural product supply chains sometimes favor extraction from guaiacum wood or beech tar, although these methods produce lower yields and higher costs. I recall a plant tour in southern India, where scaling up extraction led to headaches, especially with unpredictable resin composition and fluctuating temperatures. Synthetic approaches won out every time in the end, especially when buyers demanded unwavering quality.
3-Methoxyphenol reacts vigorously with acyl chlorides to make esters, and with alkyl halides for further etherification. Its phenolic hydroxyl group makes it a straightforward participant in electrophilic aromatic substitution, forming sulfonated or nitrated derivatives for dyes and pharmaceuticals. Oxidation with common laboratory reagents, including potassium permanganate, converts it to catechol and other polyhydroxylated benzenes. It's also a building block for vanillin, one of the world's most in-demand flavoring agents, through stepwise oxidation and formylation. Organic chemists rely on the moderate activation offered by the methoxy and hydroxy groups, tuning reactions for low or high reactivity. In smaller research settings, the recyclability of alcohol and ether solvents used in transformations offers cost and environmental savings.
Industry databases and suppliers list 3-Methoxyphenol under names such as m-Guaiacol, 3-Hydroxyanisole, and m-Methoxyphenol. Other identifiers include 3-Monoguaiacol and m-Methoxyphenol, along with internationally recognized CAS Number 150-19-6. In product catalogs, quick cross-referencing against synonyms helps buyers avoid confusion between ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted analogs, as each compound reacts uniquely. Early in my career, I learned that a missing “3-” prefix on an internal order sheet once led to a costly batch delay—manufacturers ship exactly what appears on the contract, without second guessing ambiguous requests.
Handling 3-Methoxyphenol requires secure PPE: nitrile gloves, goggles, and sometimes a full-face respirator in poorly ventilated settings. Inhalation of dust or vapors can trigger throat irritation and coughing. Direct skin contact sometimes causes rashes or, less commonly, chemical burns with lengthy exposure. Emergency procedures often stress eye washing and prompt medical evaluation if splashing occurs. Storage areas need strong ventilation, stable temperature management, and locked cabinets. Regular audits and risk assessments factor into operations, especially where large drums or tankers transition between storage, mixing, and packaging. My experience in chemical safety taught me that carelessness—even over short timeframes—can lead to spills or heightened exposure, so a bit of caution saves immeasurable trouble.
This compound turns up in a wider range of settings than most non-chemists realize. The fragrance and flavor industry uses 3-Methoxyphenol both directly and as a precursor for synthetic vanillin, a major player in food processing and perfumes. Pharmaceutical manufacturers incorporate it during synthesis of expectorants and antitussives, especially in cough syrups and mild analgesic blends. Agricultural labs harness its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, formulating it into plant health boosters and certain fungicidal products. In dye and photographic chemical production, 3-Methoxyphenol acts as a stabilizing ingredient. Personal care products, from some toothpastes to deodorants, sometimes include 3-Methoxyphenol for its scent-masking and preservative functions. Time spent consulting for consumer product companies showed me how regulation shapes these markets; one country's “natural aroma enhancer” turns into someone else’s “monitored hazardous chemical” at export.
Labs worldwide continue seeking out derivatives with novel biological activity. Biochemists test new compounds for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, with early stage data driving interest in cosmetics and over-the-counter supplementation. Polymer and material scientists experiment with surface-active modifications, using 3-Methoxyphenol’s structure to bind or crosslink fibers in medical and technical textiles. Academic chemistry groups focus on greener synthesis, optimizing catalysts and reducing waste during methylation or demethylation. Industrial R&D prioritizes cost-effective, high-purity processes that work at both lab and production scale. From the public sector to specialty manufacturing, 3-Methoxyphenol remains a long-term contender for functional chemical innovation.
Extensive animal studies lay out toxicological boundaries for human exposure. Acute toxicity sets in after high oral or dermal doses, though chronic, low-level exposure usually shows minimal long-term effects below established limits. Research from regulatory bodies like EPA and ECHA focuses attention on reproductive toxicity and skin sensitization. Most real-world exposure comes from occupational handling, with rare reports of poisoning outside industrial environments. Safety thresholds in the workplace get revised as new research emerges on intermediate metabolites and the body’s capacity for detoxification. Laboratory experience with phenols taught my colleagues and me the importance of having both technical training and rapid access to safety data; guessing or rushing procedures leads to unnecessary risk.
3-Methoxyphenol stands poised at the center of trends in green chemistry, sustainable fragrances, and bio-inspired pharmaceuticals. Microbial fermentation routes and biomass-derived production may eventually overtake petrochemical precursors as technology improves. Strong consumer demand for plant-based and low-toxicity personal care products puts qualified pressure on R&D departments. As stricter regulations shape chemical handling across Europe, North America, and Asia, industry leaders increasingly build supply chains around transparency and sustainability. Researchers explore new formulations and modifications, tapping into the compound’s base structure for next-generation intermediates in medicine and materials science. Long-held experience both in the lab and on the logistics side makes clear that adaptability—whether scientific, environmental, or commercial—keeps 3-Methoxyphenol relevant across borders and over decades.
Walk through any modern lab or peek into the world of specialty chemicals and it doesn’t take long to see how interconnected everything seems. Take 3-Methoxyphenol, often called m-guaiacol or resorcinol monomethyl ether. Behind that mouthful hides a simple aromatic compound with a subtle scent and a meaningful job—one that stretches from pharmaceuticals to fragrances and beyond.
In the laboratories where new medicines grow from bright ideas and late nights, scientists rely on materials that behave in predictable ways. 3-Methoxyphenol steps in as a building block for several drug molecules. It helps construct cough suppressants and even plays a part in certain antiseptics. Chemical companies choose 3-Methoxyphenol because it gives them flexibility—the phenol group creates plenty of room for new bonds, making it easier to tailor drugs for effectiveness and safety. The U.S. National Library of Medicine’s PubChem database confirms its use in producing guaiacol-based medications, which have proven value for treating respiratory issues. Without reliable intermediates like this, progress would slow and costs would climb, which matters to anyone dealing with a tight healthcare budget.
Open a bottle of vanilla or catch a whiff of spicy-sweet perfume—sometimes, 3-Methoxyphenol sits behind those scents. Its natural occurrence in some plant oils caught early attention, leading to its adoption in flavor and fragrance formulas. The compound’s chemical structure lets it blend smoothly with other ingredients, softening or boosting their punch as needed. In flavor creation, chemists use it at micro levels to recreate subtle smoky or spicy notes in foods where consistency matters; think smoked cheeses or seasoning mixes.
The story gets even more technical in the world of polymers and advanced materials. Resin producers count on intermediates like 3-Methoxyphenol to add stability and performance to adhesives and coatings. Epoxy resins and specialty plastics benefit from its role because the chemistry allows for stronger cross-linking, which translates to more durable products for manufacturers and consumers. Sustainability has made headlines across chemical industries in recent years, so sourcing and handling this compound responsibly ranks high for buyers who care about long-term impact.
Chemicals rarely come without caution. 3-Methoxyphenol has its risks—prolonged exposure can irritate the skin or affect workers’ health. Regulatory bodies, from OSHA to European agencies, set limits to minimize these risks, but companies also need ongoing training and smart engineering controls. From experience, seeing safety protocols in action helps teams focus on both productivity and well-being. There’s also the matter of disposal; manufacturers must manage waste streams carefully to avoid polluting water sources. Research into greener synthesis and better containment systems is gaining ground. A steady push for cleaner processes could shrink the environmental footprint and set a higher bar for the entire chemical sector.
Even on a small scale, understanding chemicals like 3-Methoxyphenol shows how many of life’s comforts and necessities rely on complex science. Transparency, traceability, and responsible manufacturing support trust, which has real value in today’s world of quick headlines and deep skepticism. Whether someone works in a lab or simply enjoys a familiar flavor, it pays to appreciate the building blocks behind the scenes—and to keep working on safer, smarter ways to use them.
3-Methoxyphenol, which also goes by the name m-Guaiacol, has the chemical formula C7H8O2. Breaking that down, it contains seven carbon atoms, eight hydrogens, and two oxygens. Picture it as a benzene ring carrying a methoxy group (–OCH3) at the third position, and a hydroxyl group (–OH) at the first. This small change in the positions of its functional groups changes how it smells, reacts, and interacts with other compounds. I remember working with guaiacol in an organic chemistry lab – the sharp, smoky scent still sticks with me. Scientists and industries alike tap into these traits to make perfumes, flavorings, and even medicines.
It’s more than just a set of atoms connected by bonds. Take 3-Methoxyphenol’s role as a starting material in the production of pharmaceuticals. The way the hydroxyl and methoxy groups sit on the ring gives it some flexibility: acting as an intermediate for drugs that treat pain and coughs. Guaiacol itself sees use in cough syrups, thanks to its expectorant properties. When you pour cough syrup, that faintly spicy note comes from compounds like this.
Its structure also unlocks commercial uses. Perfumers chase after those woody, smoky base notes that linger in colognes. Factories make use of C7H8O2’s ability to break down into vanillin, responsible for that familiar vanilla smell. That single compound, first isolated from wood creosote, ends up in food, fragrance, and pharmaceuticals across the world. Demand for synthetic vanillin still climbs, and 3-Methoxyphenol stands as an efficient route.
Manufacturing this compound can present hazards. Benzene rings, while versatile, often show up in chemistry’s dirty side: environmental persistence, toxicity, and challenges in waste disposal. I’ve noticed the best labs invest in extra safety measures. Wearing gloves, using proper ventilation, and making sure there’s no skin contact makes a big difference. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends handling phenolic compounds with strict protocols, since exposure irritates skin and can damage organs over time.
Minimizing those risks comes down to responsibility. Manufacturers are shifting to greener processes — less waste, better recycling, alternative solvents. I’ve seen firsthand how switching from traditional chlorinated solvents to more eco-friendly options cuts down on both waste and worker complaints. Companies can also track and report emissions to comply with regulatory standards, keeping both people and nature safer.
Research continues to build on compounds like 3-Methoxyphenol. Some universities combine this molecule with others, hoping to boost pharmaceutical efficiency or develop better environmentally-friendly plastics. As science marches on, staying curious about where simple formulas like C7H8O2 fit into the big picture turns out crucial. Daily life, from medicine cabinets to kitchen spice racks, often starts with a simple ring of carbon and a couple of smartly-positioned atoms.
3-Methoxyphenol, sometimes called m-guaiacol, shows up pretty regularly in labs and chemical supply stores. This substance plays a supporting role in the making of pharmaceuticals, antioxidants, and fragrances. In a small university lab some years back, I remember it from a shelf with a few other phenolic compounds, marked with orange hazard labels. The stuff has a sharp, medicine-like smell that tends to linger. For most people, 3-methoxyphenol feels like just one more industrial chemical, but there’s a bit more under the surface that’s worth exploring.
Opening a bottle of 3-methoxyphenol releases a strong odor, which is actually a warning all by itself. Direct exposure causes irritation — respiratory, skin, and eyes can all react pretty fast. The scientific literature puts the LD50 (oral, rat) between 370–820 mg/kg, which means high amounts cause real toxicity. In practical terms, a careless spill on your hand will leave a lingering burning feeling and redness. One grad student in a neighboring group once splashed a tiny bit on his sleeve and flinched from the sting.
That laboratory caution matches up with public data. The European Chemicals Agency lists this chemical as “harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, and causes serious eye irritation.” Large-scale use in factories raises bigger concerns about exposure and possible cumulative health effects, especially without proper safety gear. Chronic effects, like changes to blood cells or the nervous system, remain an open question for regular users. The gaps in long-term studies make a strong case for avoiding unnecessary repeat exposure.
Runoff of 3-methoxyphenol doesn’t just vanish. It can enter water treatment systems or even leak into soil. Fish and aquatic life prove sensitive to phenolic compounds in general. A few field reports suggest that even small spills in surface water alter the health of local insect populations. Working near waste outflows around chemical plants, I’ve seen dead zones cluster around drainage pipes. People who live near production sites often raise concerns, and for good reason.
Manufacturers and labs rely on safety data sheets for a reason. Having handled these types of chemicals myself, old habits about gloves, goggles, and fume hoods have become second nature. Anyone involved in manufacturing or frequent lab work needs real hands-on training, not just a five-minute PowerPoint. It’s best to reassess PPE practices every year, since standards shift and new studies keep bringing up additional risks.
Chemical producers can invest in better containment and waste treatment. Local governments should inspect storage tanks and drainage plans more often, not just after an accident. For small businesses or educational labs, even basic air samplers and better ventilation make a difference in day-to-day safety.
We don’t always have the full picture with chemicals like 3-methoxyphenol. Regulators in Europe and North America keep an eye on reported incidents, but honest reporting from people working on the ground is where real safety starts. A slip-up or overexposure, no matter how minor it seems, should always get logged. Building a culture of openness keeps everyone just a little safer.
Fact is, even common lab chemicals carry risks when people get too casual. Better safety habits, more transparency, and ongoing research bring down those risks. Making improvements, not just checking boxes, means fewer accidents and a safer community for everyone touched by the chemical industry.
3-Methoxyphenol shows up in a lot of chemical labs, perfumeries, and research spaces. Many people know it by another name—guaiacol. It comes from wood smoke and finds a place in both science and industry, popping up in everything from fragrances to pharmaceuticals. But it’s easy to overlook just how sensitive this substance can be. Anyone who’s spent time in a lab probably remembers their first lesson in handling strong-smelling organics: treat them with respect, or you’ll regret it quickly.
Let’s skip the jargon and look at what works in reality. Guaiacol loves to oxidize. That means exposure to air can cause it to break down or form unwanted byproducts. I’ve seen brown bottles of it go bad before anyone noticed, all because the cap wasn’t tight. Keeping it in an airtight container isn’t some optional step. If you’re storing it at home, a tightly sealed dark glass or high-density polyethylene bottle can keep oxygen and light away. Light sparks reactions too. Most people store chemicals like these in amber glass.
Temperature comes next. Guaiacol does not freeze at average lab refrigeration temperatures, but warm rooms can lead to it losing potency or changing color. I’ve learned from experience that a cool, dry cabinet away from sun and heat sources like radiators keeps it stable for longer. Extra caution pays off. I once saw a bottle left next to a window—within days, the sample picked up a strange tint and, worse, a sour odor no one expected.
Anyone who’s ever uncapped a bottle knows its smoky, medicinal smell travels fast. In a shared lab environment, this can kick off everything from headaches to arguments over air quality. Avoid stashing guaiacol near break rooms or inside crowded storage spaces with poor ventilation. Chemical storage cabinets with ventilation hoods reduce headaches—and not just the literal ones. They also limit the risk of contact with volatile fumes.
Mixing up bottles, using the same spatula twice, or storing incompatible chemicals together—none of those habits serve you or your colleagues well. Guaiacol can react with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases. In my grad school days, it wasn’t rare to see eager newcomers stash everything in one big cabinet. That led to close calls and ruined experiments. Store guaiacol away from reactive chemicals to keep surprises off the docket.
Guaiacol’s low toxicity tempts people to treat it carelessly, but accidental spills can cause skin and eye irritation. A clean work culture starts with safe storage. I’ve seen long hours and expensive reagents lost to sloppy practice—good habits up front stop a lot of problems. Training every new staff member to respect these basics helps: always label containers, double-check seals, and keep an updated inventory so nothing sits unused or degrades unnoticed.
It doesn’t take fancy tech to store chemicals right. The lessons that stick come from real-world mishaps, not just textbooks. Respecting guaiacol’s properties protects health, experiments, and peace of mind for everyone who works around it.
After spending long hours working with chemicals in a research lab, I noticed how important it becomes to know the details about what sits in each bottle. 3-Methoxyphenol isn’t the flashy sort of compound you hear about at dinner parties, but for folks in chemistry, pharmacy, or perfumery, understanding how it behaves physically saves a lot of headaches.
3-Methoxyphenol, known by most lab workers as m-guaiacol, usually takes the form of colorless to pale yellow crystals or a solid chunk. Depending on storage, you might find it sticking together as a solid mass or broken up in a powder form. It smells a bit like sweet wood smoke and warm vanilla, which makes sense considering its use in making flavors and fragrances.
The melting point sits around 43 to 48°C. That’s a range close to body temperature, which matters when shipping or storing this chemical, especially in a warm climate. If the storeroom heats up, you might come back and find a gooey mess rather than crisp crystals. The boiling point rises to about 243°C, so it doesn't just evaporate away at room conditions. That means you can keep it open to the air for short bursts without losing much, but it’ll let off vapors if heated sharply.
Another thing I’ve run into: the density stands close to 1.1 g/cm³. So you get a solid that doesn’t sink like a stone but isn't as light as fluff. That comes in handy for weighing it out on a scale in the lab.
Solubility separates 3-Methoxyphenol from some other phenol compounds. Drop it in water, and it dissolves fairly well, owing to the presence of that methoxy group, which likes water a lot more than plain phenol might. That property shows up when cleaning glassware or diluting solutions for analysis. It also means it’s easier to clean up spills—a relief after a long day.
But this molecule won’t shy away from organic solvents, either. Acetone, diethyl ether, and ethanol soak it up just fine. People working with flavor extraction or fragrance blending rely on that flexibility, switching solvents based on what end product they want.
Exposing 3-Methoxyphenol to too much light, heat, or air can darken it. I’ve had batches turn yellow over time if left out, a warning that some degradation is happening. This means storing it in cool, dark, and airtight conditions helps preserve its quality. Quality control labs pay close attention here, using amber-bottled storage jars.
Paying attention to flashpoints can prevent accidents. For m-guaiacol, the flashpoint hovers near 120°C. It won’t catch fire as easily as alcohol, but it still needs respect, especially near heat sources. Wearing gloves and eye protection keeps skin irritation at bay, another thing you quickly learn after handling phenolic compounds.
Knowledge about melting points, boiling points, and solubility goes far beyond facts in a datasheet. It helps direct how workers store, ship, and use chemicals safely. People in labs, factories, and even perfumery workshops rely on these details to reduce waste and minimize risk. For those looking for less hazardous and more environmentally friendly processes, this kind of firsthand information shapes decision-making and improves outcomes for everyone involved.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 3-Methoxyphenol |
| Other names |
m-Guaiacol 3-Hydroxyanisole m-Methoxyphenol 3-Methoxy-1-hydroxybenzene |
| Pronunciation | /ˌθriː.mɛˈθɒk.si.fiː.nɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 150-76-5 |
| Beilstein Reference | 835898 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:33841 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL15830 |
| ChemSpider | 6739 |
| DrugBank | DB04238 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.041.031 |
| EC Number | 202-507-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8225 |
| KEGG | C01457 |
| MeSH | D016449 |
| PubChem CID | 7048 |
| RTECS number | SL7525000 |
| UNII | 3X3ROO8752 |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H8O2 |
| Molar mass | 124.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellow liquid or solid |
| Odor | Phenolic; sweet |
| Density | 1.089 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | soluble |
| log P | 1.50 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0682 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 9.1 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 9.84 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -59.0·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.539 |
| Viscosity | 3.049 cP (20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.63 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 129.5 J⋅mol⁻¹⋅K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -164.5 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3460 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D02AE02 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H312, H315, H319, H332 |
| Precautionary statements | P280, P305+P351+P338, P310 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-2-0 |
| Flash point | 83°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 545 °C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 1.5–9.5% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 370 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of 3-Methoxyphenol: Oral rat: 820 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | SN 35000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 20 mg/L |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 250 ppm |
