P-Chloro-M-Cresol came into the chemical spotlight through a persistent drive to tackle microbial contamination. As the 20th century pressed on, industries raced to replace natural disinfectants with synthetics that promised more power and stability. Laboratories experimented with cresols for years, but only with the addition of halogens—adding a chlorine atom to cresol’s structure—did things start to change on a real scale. This compound didn’t climb the market overnight, but gained traction as evidence showed its reliable antimicrobial action. Old patents and reports traced back to the mid-1900s show that manufacturers saw its potential in preserving everything from paints to pharmaceuticals.
Chemically known as 4-chloro-3-methylphenol, this white or off-white crystalline powder often gets used under names such as PCMC, Chlorocresol, or its full chemical name. The chemical structure includes a benzene ring substituted with chlorine and a methyl group, which changes how it interacts with both microbes and solvents. The product consistently shows up in labs and factories interested in long shelf lives and clean surfaces, from ointments in first-aid kits to ordinary bottles of shampoo, thanks to its broad-spectrum effectiveness.
This powder doesn’t just dissolve in almost any organic solvent; it brings with it a slightly medicinal odor and a distinct melting point near 64°C. Its solubility in water is lower than in some solvents, but this property doesn’t take away from its value as a preservative or as an antiseptic. The substance holds up under normal conditions and resists breakdown unless pushed by intense heat or high acidity. Its molecular weight of 142.57 g/mol and its moderate vapor pressure keep it practical for storage and shipping.
Manufacturers sell P-Chloro-M-Cresol at technical grades, often labeling purity at 98% or higher. Labels also list the CAS number 59-50-7 and cautionary language about its toxicity and proper handling. Labels aren’t just about legal compliance—they act as a daily reminder to chemists and workers to respect this chemical’s risk, especially since the fine dust or contact can irritate skin and eyes or cause more serious effects with prolonged exposure. Safety sheets and labeling standards differ slightly country by country, but most aim to spell out clear limits for workplace air quality and safe concentration in consumer products.
The best-known process begins by chlorinating m-cresol, specifically targeting the para position on the aromatic ring. Chemical engineers often choose traditional iron(III) chloride or copper(II) chloride as catalysts, mixing under controlled temperatures and monitoring for byproducts that can throw off purity. The ordeal isn’t hands-off; technicians test and purify the output, distilling, crystallizing, and filtering to weed out related isomers and leftover starting materials. This process has been refined over decades to minimize waste and increase yield, which matters for commercial production.
P-Chloro-M-Cresol stands out for how easily it can take on new functional groups or act as a stepping stone in organic synthesis. In practical terms, chemists sometimes use it to make esters or ethers where an antiseptic backbone is useful. Under alkaline conditions, it can undergo nucleophilic substitution, but the chlorine makes the aromatic ring less reactive than some other phenols. In water treatment or environmental contexts, sunlight or oxidation can eventually break it into less active fragments, but the process takes time and know-how to manage safely.
In the marketplace and scientific literature, the substance goes under names like 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol, Chlorocresol, PCMC, and CSOL. Pharmacopeias and regulatory agencies list it with the CAS number 59-50-7, linking the compound across borders where language or brand changes. This shared naming system smooths the supply chain and helps professionals spot the substance whether it's listed as an ingredient or as a raw material.
Handling P-Chloro-M-Cresol day after day brings safety center stage. Workers and researchers count on gloves, goggles, and fume hoods. Regulations place strict exposure limits, especially in work environments, echoing findings that inhaling dust or careless skin contact brings health risks. Most industries set air quality limits around milligrams per cubic meter, not just as a precaution but as a real response to cases of irritation and allergic reactions. Waste and residues can’t just go down the drain; instead, disposal follows environmental guidelines set by agencies like the EPA or ECHA, with strict documentation needed for larger quantities.
This compound’s antimicrobial properties make it a staple in topical medications, hand creams, and cosmetics. Hospitals use it in antiseptic soaps and wipes, with pharmacists mixing it into creams against skin infections. In paints and adhesives, the ingredient keeps bacterial growth at bay, extending shelf life in humid stores and warehouses. Veterinary products and laboratory reagents benefit in the same ways, with safety data guiding how much to add without crossing into hazardous territory. Some textile and leather treatments also call on its stability and power to block mold and mildew, showing just how often it turns up in unexpected places.
Over the years, researchers have dug into the details of P-Chloro-M-Cresol’s action against microbes down to the cellular level. Teams keep exploring the exact ways it disables enzymes and membrane proteins, looking for ways to stretch its lifespan or tweak its selectivity. Others look at combining it with modern preservatives or antibiotics, hoping for fewer cases of resistance among bacteria and fungi. Industry and academic partnerships push for greener production methods, attempting to cut down on hazardous waste or energy use as public awareness and regulations continue to rise.
Scientists have spent decades studying how animals and humans respond to exposure, turning up detailed data on safe and harmful doses. High concentrations or long-term skin contact can trigger allergies, inflammation, or worse, so most regulations cap the amount at low parts per million in consumer formulas. Chronic exposure links up with changes in organ weights and enzyme function in laboratory animals, emphasizing how a useful chemical doesn’t always mean a risk-free one. Toxicologists keep updating testing standards, digging deeper into effects on the environment as the compound makes its way through wastewater and soil.
The world keeps tightening expectations for chemicals—asking for safer profiles, less pollution, and clear proof of benefit. Companies now race to modify P-Chloro-M-Cresol or find replacements that offer the same broad antimicrobial action, but with less risk for people and planet. Some scientists try bio-based methods for manufacturing, betting on enzymes to replace metals and hard acids. Policy shifts in the EU and North America hint that demand for old-school antimicrobials may level off unless the science can point to lower toxicity and better breakdown in the environment. The future rides on whether industry and labs can adapt these molecules to fit new safety, health, and sustainability benchmarks without losing their edge against bacteria and mold.
P-Chloro-M-Cresol doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but this compound plays an everyday role behind the scenes. Most people don’t spot it on ingredient lists, yet its use touches a surprising number of daily products. I first learned about it after spending hours reading the tiny print on a jar of skin cream at my grandmother’s house, trying to pinpoint what shielded it from going bad even after months in the bathroom. The answer tied back to preservatives like P-Chloro-M-Cresol.
This compound lands in the spotlight most often because of its reliability as an antimicrobial, especially in personal care products. Think hand creams and shampoos. The warm, humid spaces of bathrooms turn into breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, so manufacturers look for compounds that bring proven action. P-Chloro-M-Cresol steps up: bacteria and molds simply can’t claim these jars and bottles for themselves while it’s in the mix.
I’ve spent a few years working odd jobs at clinics, changing gloves and cleaning exam rooms. People might guess that alcohol or bleach runs the show, but antiseptics and disinfectants shape the frontline defense. P-Chloro-M-Cresol, with its solid punch against bacteria, gets added to antiseptic solutions, wound cleansers, and hospital disinfectants. Its reputation grew because it works fast, and healthcare workers trust it with stubborn germs. Equipment, surfaces, and even instrument trays can’t stay clean without a little extra chemical help. P-Chloro-M-Cresol earns its keep by extending shelf life and stopping new bugs from settling in sterile spaces.
Some folks have raised their eyebrows about preservatives in cosmetics, soaps, and topical sprays. Sensitivity to P-Chloro-M-Cresol, particularly for people with allergies or eczema, isn’t just a footnote in medical papers—it turns up in real cases. Patch tests in dermatology clinics sometimes flag it as a culprit for contact dermatitis. I once had a neighbor who switched laundry detergents after rashes cropped up, only to realize the short ingredient list still included P-Chloro-M-Cresol. That experience stuck with me—it showed how interconnected safety, health, and transparency have to be.
Preservative-free simply isn’t realistic for many products that get opened and closed day after day. The risk of contamination far outweighs some minor irritants for most people. Still, rigorous testing and clear labeling help reduce the downside. Companies and regulators keep a close eye, drawing from studies in Europe and Asia, tightening up rules around safe usage levels. Continued investment in milder, plant-based antimicrobials also gives hope for those who want the same protections with fewer worries about reactions. At the end of the day, P-Chloro-M-Cresol keeps household and medical goods safer and longer lasting, but honest science-driven dialogue about its risks and limits benefits everyone. Public awareness, updated laws, and real-world feedback can all help keep the system working better, both for people and the products they trust.
Most people reading the label on a bottle of hand cream or an antiseptic ointment would never give a second look to p-chloro-m-cresol. The name sounds technical, buried alongside a dozen other chemical terms. But for folks working in labs, factories, healthcare, or skincare, the story takes on a much more personal note. P-chloro-m-cresol is a preservative and disinfectant. You’ll find it in soaps, topical medicines, wound dressings, and cosmetics — if it fights bacteria, there’s a chance this compound is involved.
Over the years, I’ve handled enough antiseptics to know not everything with a scary name is a problem, but not every compound deserves a free pass. Research says p-chloro-m-cresol can kill a broad range of germs. As a disinfectant, it works well in a hospital setting and keeps creams from spoiling on store shelves. Official agencies like the European Chemicals Agency and the U.S. FDA have analyzed its safety, setting limits based on detailed studies.
Exposure in small amounts, typical for consumer products, hasn’t shown a habit of causing big trouble. Problems usually pop up for a small number of people with sensitive skin or allergies. For those folks, even regular use can sometimes lead to redness, itching, or a rash. In rare instances, allergic contact dermatitis can unfold, and that’s where having accurate labeling and doctor follow-up comes into play. No matter how tough your skin feels, repeat or high exposures can eventually add up.
Several peer-reviewed studies point to the same result: short-term skin contact with low concentrations (often below 0.2%) is considered safe for most of the population. Higher doses or prolonged contact tip the scales, inching toward irritation and allergic reactions. In people with occupational exposure, like nurses or factory workers, the risk increases unless gloves or proper washing routines are in place. Animal tests have flagged possible toxicity at much higher doses than anyone encounters through routine use.
It’s worth mentioning the chemical stays pretty stable, so it does its job as a preservative without breaking down into surprises. Regulatory agencies across North America and Europe tend to agree on limits, passing regulations for concentrations in consumer products. That’s not just a box-ticking exercise — these rules draw a real line between helpful and harmful.
Avoiding every synthetic chemical isn’t practical, nor is it wise to overlook proven health risks. One lesson from hospital infection control is that effective, regulated disinfectants play a role in lowering infections. That means, for most of us, using a skin cream with p-chloro-m-cresol is far safer than leaving wounds untreated. In my own work, I’ve found education goes a long way: people deserve to know what’s in the stuff they use. The right to clear labeling and guidance from doctors protects everyone, especially the vulnerable.
Companies have tried to swap in plant-based alternatives or lower concentrations where possible, and some consumers choose brands that go preservative-free. That approach works for people whose skin flags a problem but doesn’t always offer the same shelf life. Safety testing shouldn’t end at basic approval — real-world monitoring matters. Anyone experiencing skin trouble should report it to healthcare providers and, in serious cases, to safety authorities. Staying informed and keeping communication open between companies, users, and medical professionals leads to smarter choices for everyone.
P-Chloro-M-Cresol isn’t a name most people come across in daily life, but anyone who picks up a bottle of antiseptic or works in certain manufacturing fields should recognize it. This compound belongs in the group of phenolic chemicals, which play a major role in hygiene, health, and preservation. The exact chemical formula is C7H7ClO. The arrangement of atoms makes it suitable for antimicrobial purposes. When I started working in a hospital’s supply management, I noticed that a lot of effective surface cleaners and topical antiseptics included p-chloro-m-cresol. The chemical structure gives it the power to kill germs without causing much trouble to surfaces or skin when used in proper doses.
The importance of p-chloro-m-cresol stretches beyond just calculating its chemical formula. For example, this compound gets used in an array of products such as soaps, hand sanitizers, creams, and disinfectants. If you walk through a hospital, bus station, or gym, you likely encounter surfaces or products treated with this ingredient. Studies show it can take out both bacteria and fungi, including tough strains like MRSA. That’s a big deal in environments where infections spread fast.
Too much reliance on any antimicrobial—p-chloro-m-cresol included—sometimes creates resistance issues or irritates skin with repeated exposure. Practical safety steps include proper dilution in consumer products, accurate labeling, and employee training. Based on my encounters in health care, I have seen people get careless, leading to burns and rashes. The World Health Organization and government health departments often recommend washing surfaces with water and using products as directed. Overuse or misuse usually comes from a lack of clear information, which is one area that continues to need effort.
Regulators look closely at chemicals like p-chloro-m-cresol because of their widespread use and impact on both people and the environment. European and North American agencies approve its use in specified concentrations, and they force companies to test for long-term effects. I’ve read that manufacturers are now spending more on research to create blends that give the desired hygiene effect without risking resistance or long-term environmental harm. Some are experimenting with alternatives or mix-ins that break down more quickly or don’t accumulate in water supplies.
P-Chloro-M-Cresol, with its formula C7H7ClO, holds a place across health care, public hygiene, and manufacturing for a reason—it works. Staying informed about concentrations, following instructions, and giving feedback to regulatory agencies help keep users safe. The science may seem simple on the page, but real-world action and honesty from product makers matter most to me. With open eyes and thoughtful regulation, both consumers and workers can use these solutions with confidence and safety.
P-Chloro-M-Cresol holds a respected place in many industries, especially pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, because of its ability to fight bacteria and fungi. People working with this ingredient often ask about the safest way to store it, since a misstep can impact product quality and even personal health.
Above all, dry storage plays a leading role. P-Chloro-M-Cresol attracts moisture from the air, a property called hygroscopicity. Over the years in various labs, I have seen situations where the tiniest bit of humidity caused this material to clump or lose potency. Companies risk costly waste or quality issues if they take shortcuts by leaving product containers open too long or neglecting humidity controls.
Temperature deserves equal focus. Even a few degrees above room temperature can influence chemical stability. Direct sun may not instantly spoil it, but regular sunlight speeds up changes to odor, color, or effectiveness. Years ago, a colleague decided to keep inventory near a manufacturing window. By the end of the quarter, several lots showed strange color shifts and failed quality checks.
Airtight containers—high-density polyethylene or brown glass—give the best results. Paper sacks fail to block humidity, and metal can react with certain chemicals. After extensive audits, regulators have often cited companies using the wrong packaging materials, risking both customer safety and regulatory penalties. Labels and hazard warnings signal proper handling and discourage mistakes. Even experienced teams get careless, so these simple reminders often prevent unnecessary accidents.
P-Chloro-M-Cresol irritates skin and nose. I learned this the hard way during my rookie years, brushing powder off a benchtop with bare hands instead of using gloves and a mask. In short order, redness and a sharp sensation appeared—nothing life-threatening, but a real wake-up call. Now, my teams keep a tight hygiene protocol: gloves, masks, and dedicated jackets every time. These aren’t just extra steps—they protect health and safeguard against legal trouble or labor claims.
Access control stays important. Only trained workers, following approved procedures, should manage storage rooms. This keeps amateurs from risky mistakes, avoids careless cross-contamination, and provides a level of traceability. I have seen several managers regret skipping personnel lists after a small leak left everyone searching for the last person in the storeroom.
Some solutions sound basic, but in my years managing chemical stores, basics save the most trouble. Invest in climate control, even in older buildings. Digital humidity monitors and logbooks help spot problems before they grow. Don’t overstock—suppliers deliver more quickly than ever, so large surplus rarely makes sense. Teach staff why extra care with this material matters, using real anecdotes, not just rules on a poster.
Insurance goes beyond dollars; it boosts trust with customers and auditors. Insurers want proof of safe storage, and detailed logs speed up claims if problems ever hit. After all, real trust forms through action—by laying out clear rules, checking them often, and putting people’s health before shortcuts. Small changes, repeated every day, keep P-Chloro-M-Cresol safe, stable, and ready for responsible use.
P-Chloro-M-Cresol shows up in more places than most people realize. Walk into a pharmacy, scan ingredient lists on antiseptics, and it pops up. This compound serves as a preservative and germ-killer. While it helps keep products free from bacteria and fungus, its presence also brings some risks. Having seen patients and users react to preservatives in topical medicines, I get questions on skin irritation or allergy flare-ups more than anything else.
The most common trouble linked with P-Chloro-M-Cresol is contact dermatitis. Imagine redness, itching, and sometimes swelling—no one wants that after using a medical cream or lotion. Reports published by dermatologists point to this preservative as a cause of rashes in people sensitive to it. One large UK survey covering over 10,000 allergy tests found it among notable causes of cosmetic-related reactions. For someone with a history of sensitive skin, P-Chloro-M-Cresol adds another hurdle.
People living with eczema walk a tightrope. Preservatives like P-Chloro-M-Cresol seem to aggravate their condition. One case in a pediatric clinic involved a child whose eczema worsened after starting a new moisturizing cream. A simple patch test nailed the problem—P-Chloro-M-Cresol triggered the reaction. The issue here extends beyond a mild rash. Chronic exposure means symptoms can escalate and last longer. For these groups, small ingredients have a big effect.
Beyond the skin, P-Chloro-M-Cresol does not treat eyes and airways kindly. Accidental eye contact can cause burning, tearing, or even blurry vision until thoroughly washed out. Those working with the raw compound sometimes report throat and lung discomfort after breathing in dust or vapor. Safety data sheets from chemical suppliers put clear emphasis on wearing proper protection. Chronic exposure in work environments poses a silent but real risk.
Animal studies signal a red flag, but not a certainty, on long-term risks. High doses over time affected the liver and kidneys in rats. Direct data in humans remains limited, though. Regulatory groups such as the European Medicines Agency allow small, carefully measured amounts in topical and injectable products because broader evidence of harm at these levels does not exist yet. Still, the warning signs mean scientists watch closely for updates.
Managing P-Chloro-M-Cresol’s risks starts with clear labeling and ingredient awareness. Patients with past allergic reactions need to check every product they use. Clinicians should take the time to ask about history of reactions when switching medicines or skincare products. Where sensitivity is high across a population, alternatives like parabens or other preservatives can step in, though each comes with its own debate.
Safe use comes down to listening to the skin and body. Irritation or symptoms that do not resolve quickly should prompt a change in product. Following occupational safety guidelines in workplaces handling P-Chloro-M-Cresol keeps accidental exposure in check. Companies and regulators ought to keep strengthening safety data, reporting systems, and alternative options as health trends shift and science moves forward.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 4-chloro-3-methylphenol |
| Other names |
PCMC Chlorocresol 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol p-Chloro-m-cresol 4-Chloro-meta-cresol |
| Pronunciation | /ˈpiːˈklɔːrəʊˈɛmˈkriːsɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 59-50-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1208733 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:34701 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL315485 |
| ChemSpider | 2072 |
| DrugBank | DB13983 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.043.474 |
| EC Number | 200-431-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 5830 |
| KEGG | C11160 |
| MeSH | D002784 |
| PubChem CID | 8248 |
| RTECS number | GO3150000 |
| UNII | F95AE13YPC |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DJ6QT5M13V |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H7ClO |
| Molar mass | 158.61 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to pale pink crystalline powder |
| Odor | Phenolic |
| Density | 1.33 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | 1.2 g/L (20 °C) |
| log P | 2.7 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0013 hPa (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 8.3 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 7.39 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -64.0×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.597 |
| Viscosity | 38 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.68 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 112.7 J/mol·K |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -207.9 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -4092 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D08AE04 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and serious eye irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction, toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313, P332+P313, P362+P364 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-2-0 |
| Flash point | 113 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 115°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 1830 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Rat oral 1050 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | CY8575000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for P-Chloro-M-Cresol is 5 mg/m³ |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.2% |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Chlorocresol Chloroxylenol Cresol Chlorophenol Parachlorophenol |
