P-Cresol, better known among chemists as para-cresol or 4-methylphenol, goes farther back than most people expect. In the late nineteenth century, p-cresol attracted attention as scientists started teasing out individual components from coal tar, which, until then, seemed like mysterious goo left behind from gasworks and coke production. German chemists, eager for pure chemicals, separated p-cresol from related compounds like o-cresol and m-cresol. These early explorations set the stage for later breakthroughs in synthetic chemistry, largely because researchers saw how tweaking structures like p-cresol’s simple benzene ring could open up new reaction pathways. By the 1920s, industries in Western Europe and North America were already recovering cresols on a commercial scale, feeding booming demand for disinfectants, resins, and eventually, new materials. Watching p-cresol go from a tar byproduct to a critical raw material tells a lot about the evolution of the chemical industry: waste streams become resources, and obscure molecules become essential as science and markets shift.
P-Cresol stands out as one of three isomers in the cresol family, each a methylphenol but differing by the position of that methyl group on the benzene ring. Out in the world, it often shows up as a pale-yellow solid or oily liquid, with a sharp, medicinal smell people either recognize from old-school antiseptics or the tang of smoke. As a building block, p-cresol underpins countless products: antioxidants for plastics and rubber, synthetic vitamin E, fragrances, herbicides, dyes, and wood preservatives. Any warehouse housing drums of p-cresol does not store a specialty chemical—it stores the start of multiple supply chains that touch agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.
P-Cresol’s molecular formula clocks in at C7H8O, giving it a molar mass of about 108.14 g/mol. Its structure is a benzene ring with a methyl group and a hydroxyl group opposite each other. In real-world terms, solid p-cresol melts just above room temperature, at 34–36°C, turning into a colorless-to-yellow liquid soon after. Boiling takes more heat, at about 201°C. It doesn’t really mix with water, sitting at just 2.3 g/L solubility, but dissolves happily in ethanol, diethyl ether, and chloroform. In the lab, it shows all the reactivity people expect of phenols, with the electron-donating methyl group making that aromatic ring friendlier to electrophilic attack. As somebody who has spilled cresol during a synthesis, I can vouch for its strong (and, to some, offensive) odor that lingers for hours. This characteristic sharpness outlines its volatility—which also means handling it with adequate ventilation becomes not just good practice, but an act of basic comfort.
Producers grade and label p-cresol based on concentration, moisture, and impurity content. Industrial material often comes as 98–99% pure, with tight controls on o-cresol and m-cresol content. For example, technical-grade drums might list water at less than 0.3% and total cresol isomers above 99%, so downstream processors know exactly what they’re working with. Regulatory labeling warns about acute toxicity and skin sensitization, carrying GHS pictograms for harmful and environmentally hazardous substances. Detailed specs address residue on ignition, color, melting and boiling points, and acid number. These are not just checkboxes—when making, say, a pharmaceutical intermediate, a stray percentage of o-cresol can disrupt synthetic yields or colorimetric analyses. Many buyers study certificates of analysis as closely as the MSDS, because with phenols, reputation and track record for purity play into supply chain decisions. Safety labeling also extends to storage: packages often read, “keep in cool, well-ventilated place, away from oxidizers, acids, and bases,” and those words sum up a lot of hard-won experience from fires, leaks, and corrosion incidents in chemical plants.
The dominant route for industrial production of p-cresol is methylation of phenol, where methylating agents (often methanol) act on phenol over basic catalysts at high temperatures. Selectivity presents a constant headache, because side reactions pop out o- and m-cresol as well. Some facilities still extract p-cresol from coal tar—a source that comes with its own complexity thanks to a medley of aromatic compounds and the need for fractional distillation, washing, and crystallization. In the last decade, more companies pivoted to synthetic routes, since these yield more consistent material and can scale with demand for downstream derivatives. In organic chemistry practice, I have tried to isolate pure p-cresol using old-school methods, and the multi-stage extraction and distillation process makes it clear why direct synthesis, despite catalyst cost, became the method of choice.
Chemists are drawn to p-cresol’s reactivity, mixing straightforward nucleophilicity from the -OH group with the electron-rich ring. Alkylation, etherification, esterification, and azocoupling all work well, opening up routes to a range of flavors, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. At an industrial scale, p-cresol becomes antioxidants via alkylation with 2,6-di-tert-butyl groups, yielding BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), which protects plastics and food alike from oxidative breakdown. Nitration places nitro groups on the aromatic ring, setting up intermediates for agricultural chemicals and explosives. Sulfonation, chlorination, and acylation fill out the chemist’s toolkit, practically guaranteeing that p-cresol will not gather dust. Modification lies at the core of its commercial potential: because efficient chemical transformations translate into tonnages of specialty products, resin monomers, and flavors that would be far more expensive if nature had to provide them directly.
Anyone who works in supply chain or regulatory affairs gets used to an alphabet soup of names. P-Cresol also appears as 4-methylphenol, para-cresol, and 1-hydroxy-4-methylbenzene. In German and French-language texts, you may see para-Kresol, or even “p-Cresylic acid” in some older product catalogues. Companies market blends of cresols as “cresylic acid,” reflecting a mixture of o-, m-, and p-cresols from tar distillation. In chemical procurement, I have learned that requesting “para-cresol” from one supplier yields the same material as “p-cresol technical” from another—yet differences in naming sometimes create hiccups, especially with customs documentation or international regulatory submissions. Knowing the web of synonyms stops confusion in both safety labeling and ordering the correct variant for sensitive synthesis.
Ask anyone who works with p-cresol and they’ll point to safety first. This reagent burns and blisters skin. The vapor irritates eyes and noses, and accidental spills hang in the air, creating a risk long after cleanup. The chemical carries acute toxicity by ingestion and inhalation, and chronic low-level exposure risks liver and kidney impacts, sometimes showing up years down the line. Regulatory guides (OSHA, REACH, NIOSH) stress local exhaust ventilation, chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and impermeable lab coats. Operators in manufacturing plants rely on scrubbers and closed-loop systems to limit leaks and emissions. Standard operating procedures dictate double-containment storage, regular inspection of seals and drums, and readiness with spill kits. I have seen firsthand how even experienced chemists drop their guard once and pay for it with a painful chemical burn. Respect for p-cresol’s hazards underpins its safe use—preparation and vigilance count for more than reliance on a single PPE checklist.
End uses for p-cresol cut across sectors. In the chemical processing world, it feeds into antioxidant production, especially BHT, which ends up in plastics, rubbers, lubricants, food-grade oils, and cosmetics. For agricultural companies, p-cresol acts as an intermediate for herbicides like Mecoprop, and the synthesis of fungicides and insecticides follows similar lines. Some manufacturers rely on it in the creation of dye precursors and photographic developers, taking advantage of its ability to add precise color properties or control reduction-oxidation conditions. In the flavor and fragrance industry, modifications of p-cresol yield vanilla-like or spicy notes, though at tiny concentrations—too much, and the odor turns harsh and medical, which nobody wants in scented products. Wood treatment relies on its antimicrobial power to ward off rot, and healthcare products once included it in antiseptics, though safety regulation later steered formulators to safer alternatives. With p-cresol at the intersection of so many material streams, changes in its global supply or regulatory landscape ripple widely, often catching other industries off guard.
Research teams continue looking for cleaner production pathways and new downstream applications. Green chemistry efforts aim for milder reaction conditions, recyclable catalysts, and avoidance of hazardous byproducts. Recent academic work highlights biotechnological methods to make p-cresol from renewable feedstocks, such as engineered microbes fermenting biomass instead of refining petroleum or tar. Materials scientists also look at polymer modification—embedding p-cresol derivatives to shift electrical or heat conduction—or at specialized resins for electronics and coatings. Pharmaceutical researchers dive deeper into cresol’s ability to act as a core structure for active compounds, adjusting its reactivity to unlock new treatments for infectious disease or inflammation. Every new patent or journal article signals both competition and collaboration among global chemical players—whoever nails down a more sustainable or high-value process can shape not only p-cresol markets, but the direction of related chemical innovations for years to come.
Dozens of toxicological studies paint a sobering, complicated picture. P-Cresol causes redenning, blistering, and necrosis on skin contact, and it absorbs fast enough to enter systemic circulation—a test many chemical safety experts fail to take seriously until they land in the clinic themselves. Inhalation leads to pronounced respiratory tract irritation, and ingestion brings swift nausea, dizziness, and in serious cases, collapse. Animal experiments link subchronic exposure to organ damage, especially in the liver and kidneys. The metabolism and excretion pathways involve glucuronidation and sulfation, but the metabolites do not shed all toxicity, meaning chronic low-level exposure carries real risks. Population-based studies explored links between environmental cresols and neurobehavioral outcomes, raising concerns for factory workers in poorly ventilated conditions. Regulatory risk assessments now draw sharper lines: safe exposure limits fall rather than rise, and new data coming out pushes manufacturers to invest in better containment and real-time workplace monitoring. Longevity in a chemical career sometimes boils down to how well workers handle acutely toxic—but industrially indispensable—reagents like p-cresol.
Shifts toward sustainable and safer chemistry add pressure and promise for p-cresol’s future. Companies who invest in cleaner synthesis techniques will probably anchor the next wave of market growth, since both regulatory bodies and end-users demand greener processes. Biotechnological production, especially via engineered microbes or enzyme catalysts, has potential to lower environmental impact and reduce reliance on fossil sources. As Asian countries ramp up capacity to meet surging internal and export needs, global supply chains may see greater swings in price and quality, driving some Western groups to emphasize local or on-purpose manufacturing. On the demand side, downstream innovation matters most—if new applications in electronics, advanced materials, or synthetic biology layers unlock additional uses, p-cresol will remain central in specialty and bulk chemicals. The debate around toxicity and workplace exposure remains sharp. Future-proof industries will need to move fast with better monitoring and closed processes so materials like p-cresol support life-improving applications without posing unnecessary harm to workers and communities.
P-Cresol doesn’t turn heads like plastic or gasoline, but it keeps a lowkey presence in a surprising number of products. This colorless or slightly yellow liquid smells, frankly, pretty unpleasant—think of the aroma you catch in certain disinfectants or even in old barns. The catch? Its sharp scent hints at one of its most important uses: as a building block for making products that keep things clean, protected, or even functioning in daily life.
Households and hospitals count on disinfectants containing compounds derived from p-cresol. Its knack for killing off germs and bacteria goes to work in soaps, floor cleaners, and industrial hygiene products. Hospitals trust cleaners built on cresylic acids because their track record for knocking out tough bacteria stands strong. Disinfecting power—especially after COVID—matters for regular folks too. We saw people wiping down groceries, scrubbing counters, and going through bottles of hand sanitizer. P-cresol steps up in these fights against germs.
P-Cresol steps in at the very beginning of the journey for some specialty plastics. Manufacturers use it to produce antioxidant additives that help keep plastic soft and stable over time instead of turning brittle and useless after weeks in the sun. I’ve spent time in machine shops where gears and plastic parts grind all day under hot lamps, so having plastic that holds up with age keeps equipment from falling apart. It’s the sort of behind-the-scenes benefit people only notice when things fail.
Farmers have a quiet appreciation for p-cresol-based products too. Used in some veterinary medicines and pesticides, it helps control parasites and stubborn bacteria that can wipe out flocks or herds if left unchecked. Rural living means practical solutions: you treat fences, water troughs, or wooden posts to fight rot and pests. A product with a bit of p-cresol can keep the barn standing and the livestock healthy, giving farmers one less headache.
Curiously, p-cresol even finds a home in fragrances and flavors, but not quite in the way fresh flowers do. A small dose gets blended into the chemical mix to imitate the earthy, animal-like scent found in musk. Most folks don’t realize that many perfumes bank on molecules like this for complexity, not just the roses and lemons. Sure, nobody wants perfume that smells like a barn, but perfumers rely on contrast and undertones to make their scents last longer and stand out uniquely.
Using p-cresol brings up real questions. Workers who handle high concentrations risk skin and airway irritation. I’ve seen folks suit up with gloves and tight-fitting masks in factories that produce phenolic resins. Spill a bit, and you’ll see stained floors that need careful cleanups. Plus, it only takes a small amount running off into water for fish and wildlife to suffer. That’s where chemical management rules come in. In the US, agencies like OSHA and the EPA keep tabs on exposure limits and waste disposal requirements. Decades of workplace regulations have taught us how sloppy mistakes with chemicals like this can result in long-term health and environmental problems.
P-Cresol’s usefulness comes with strings attached. People want sturdy plastics and germ-free surfaces, but nobody asks for chemical risks. Safer substitutes and refined disposal systems need investment to keep p-cresol’s benefits from piling up as problems down the line. More transparent labeling and tighter safety protocols on the factory floor make sure both workers and communities downstream stay protected. Learning from past missteps makes a practical difference for everyone, whether you’re scrubbing kitchen counters or working a forty-hour shift in manufacturing.
P-Cresol turns up in more places than most people realize. With its sharp smell, it’s used to make herbicides, disinfectants, and fragrances. Some factories rely on it to make plastics and dyes. Livestock operations and wastewater plants often deal with it as a waste product. Even tobacco smoke and car exhaust spit out small amounts. The real-world run-in with this chemical happens more often than people think.
P-Cresol doesn’t make people sick with just a sniff, but research paints a worrying picture. Several health agencies—like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer—flag it as a substance that can irritate the eyes, skin, and breathing passages. At higher concentrations, it ramps up the danger. Workers exposed to large amounts sometimes face burns, headaches, dizziness, and even kidney or liver problems.
There’s clear evidence from animal studies showing long-term contact with p-cresol can mess with liver function, immune response, and even disrupt the gut. For people with kidney disease, the body has a harder time clearing p-cresol. The chemical can build up in the blood, and some researchers connect this to additional heart risks or complications.
Even lower exposures aren’t always harmless. Some studies in industrial areas report higher rates of headaches, chest tightness, and coughing among workers—not just one-off complaints, but a pattern tied to p-cresol-laced air.
Kids are hit harder than adults because they breathe faster and their skin absorbs chemicals more easily. Populations living near factories face more exposure than urban residents, mainly due to industrial waste and water runoff. Community complaints about household odors or skin rashes often pop up near plants producing or using p-cresol.
Some folks feel workplace rules and environmental controls already take care of the problem. That isn’t always true. Forgotten leaks and slow responses let p-cresol sneak into the air and water. Poorly ventilated spaces cause much greater risk. With how many products rely on p-cresol, it keeps popping up, and sometimes goes unnoticed until health complaints start rolling in.
Communities have learned that taking the word of manufacturers without outside checks leads to trouble. Tests done by local agencies or researchers carry weight, especially when factory spills or air pollution show up on the radar.
Simple changes help. Better seals on chemical storage tanks and better ventilation save plant workers from high exposures. Wearing gloves, goggles, and masks brings down the odds of skin and lung problems. Factories following strict waste treatment and using less hazardous substitutes give neighbors peace of mind. Government inspection and stronger limits on air and water releases keep surprises to a minimum.
People living near industrial areas can press for regular air and water quality tests. Emergency plans, made public by industry and local officials, help everyone get ready for leaks or spills. Health hotlines and local clinics play a role by treating symptoms early, before problems turn serious.
P-Cresol is hard to avoid in today’s world, but that doesn’t mean people have to accept the health risks quietly. Letting communities, workers, and regulators push for better controls brings down preventable harm. If experience—and a stack of scientific evidence—teaches anything, it’s that ignoring early warning signs almost always costs more in the long run.
P-Cresol is not a substance that allows for casual handling. My first encounter with its sharp, medicinal odor in a cramped laboratory reminded me just how serious small-scale chemical storage can get. This compound, used in everything from disinfectants to chemical synthesis, presents a few critical risks: it’s flammable, it can burn skin, and it gives off toxic fumes. The chemical’s properties demand real respect for proper storage.
Years back, a student used a mismatched plastic bottle for P-Cresol, a shortcut I will never forget. Within days, the container softened and started leaking. Most labs and storage facilities use HDPE or stainless steel containers with tight-fitting lids for a reason: they resist attack by phenolic compounds like P-Cresol. Any soft plastic or glass without a proper seal opens risk for leaks, spills, or accidental vapor release.
Heat and light do no favors here. Direct sunlight or excessive warmth pushes up the chance of vapor formation, even increasing fire risk. The best approach keeps the chemical in a cool, shaded place below 30°C, and away from sunlight. I’ve seen teams overlook this, only to land in cleanup situations that could have turned tragic. Flammable storage cabinets outfitted for chemicals are worth the investment for preventing disaster.
Never underestimate what a stray oxidizer or acid can do. I once saw a small mix-up—an oxidizer stored on the same shelf—trigger a dangerous reaction. Keeping P-Cresol away from powerful acids, bases, and strong oxidizers prevents runaway reactions and fire. Chemical segregation in storage isn’t bureaucracy; it’s practical safety.
A whiff of P-Cresol lingers. Many who work with it notice the odor right away, and it’s a clear sign of volatility. Poor ventilation increases the risk of toxic exposure and accident. Storage solutions need well-designed ventilation or a fume hood nearby, especially in places without good airflow. Relying on old ductwork or cracked windows never provides enough protection.
Mislabeling kills. It’s that simple. Clear, durable labels—name, concentration, hazard warning, date received—should stand out on every container. In an emergency, time lost hunting for information turns every second more dangerous. I check storage every month, and the biggest mistakes nearly always come from labeling shortcuts or skipped checks.
Safety instructions are not a drill, they’re the backbone. Any worker, from lab tech to janitor, needs practical training on spill clean-up, fire protocols, and safe handling. A fire extinguisher for chemical use, a shower, and an eyewash station should be within quick reach. I’ve watched new employees freeze up during unannounced drills, proof that training only works when it’s ongoing and practical.
P-Cresol puts the spotlight on everyday safety decisions. Proper containers, controlled climate, and safe separation take effort, but pay back with fewer injuries and no insurance headaches. Shortcuts rarely work out well in the long run. For anyone storing hazardous materials, the lessons learned from compounds like P-Cresol never fade.
P-Cresol belongs to the group of chemicals that most folks never deal with directly. For those who do, respecting its hazards makes the difference between a regular workday and a health scare. I’ve watched warehouse crews react to chemical spills, and nothing grabs their attention faster than a strong-smelling compound with a history of causing skin burns and breathing trouble. P-Cresol irritates skin, eyes, and has fumes that mess with airways. In my own work, handling any volatile phenol means my senses kick into high alert.
You don’t get a second chance with splashes of irritating chemicals like this. Protective gloves, sturdy goggles, and a decent lab coat form the first wall of defense. Cheap gloves give a false sense of safety—rubber, neoprene, or nitrile gloves hold up much better. I once saw a newcomer underestimate the benefit of decent goggles. Minutes later, he stood by the eye-wash, learning a painful lesson. Taking time to check whether respirators fit and knowing exactly which cartridge works for organic vapors shows real care for yourself and coworkers. Working around p-cresol isn’t the same as handling dish soap; skin absorbs it, and the smell stings the nose for hours.
A fume hood isn’t just a piece of lab furniture—it plays a starring role every day. On days when the fan runs slow, the room takes on a heavy, chemical air. I’ve chatted with plant workers who remember the difference before any ventilation system arrived, and no one wants to go back. Ventilation dilutes vapors, reducing risks before someone even picks up a bottle. In spaces without such equipment, smart workers open windows and use exhaust fans, making sure fumes don’t linger.
Leaving p-cresol on a crowded shelf or loose cap can turn an easy storage job into a fire or spill. I keep strong chemicals in locked, well-labeled cabinets. Acid- and base-resistant shelving stands up to leaks. Friends in smaller shops use spill trays and secondary containers—a habit picked up after one shelf collapsed under too much weight. Storing this stuff with flammable liquids doesn’t mix, and temperature swings matter. I learned from a plant manager who faced corroded containers because of storage next to a steam line; routine checks caught it in time.
Training shines brightest when spills hit. A clean-up kit stays within arms’ reach, not locked in someone’s office. Absorbent pads, neutralizers, and plenty of waste bags rarely go unused. One supervisor once drilled his crew on p-cresol spill drills. The first time, chaos reigned. By the third round, they cleaned up within minutes, nobody panicked, and the safety record stayed spotless. There’s relief in knowing the steps by heart, not fumbling for manuals when time matters most.
Doctors and safety officers remind us that exposure, even to small amounts, adds up. Health checks and air monitoring ensure no one walks out of the building sick. In my circle, folks swap stories about minor lapses so others can learn, not judge. Sharing what went wrong last time builds a safety-focused culture. Real experience, clear procedures, and the right gear create the safest place for dealing with chemicals like p-cresol.
People call it p-cresol. The formula reads C7H8O. Underneath those seven carbon, eight hydrogen, and one oxygen atoms sits a compound many ignore in daily life. Plenty of folks working in chemistry labs could recognize the distinctive, tar-like scent in a heartbeat. That formula packs surprising punch in everything from industrial chemicals to the world of medicine and even environmental science.
In the real world, p-cresol doesn’t wander around by itself. Factories release it during the breakdown of wood and coal. Paper mills, oil refineries, and even some forms of plastic production send small amounts into the air and water. Think about visiting a lumber yard or driving past an old-school paper plant — chances are, that sharp, phenolic smell came partly from cresols like this one. This means it matters where the formula shows up. Communities near heavy industry worry about water contamination. Researchers track p-cresol in wastewater plants, not just as a chemical hazard but as a clue about what humans put back into streams and rivers.
Medical scientists know p-cresol by more than a formula. Inside the body, our intestines create tiny amounts of it when bacteria digest certain amino acids from protein. Healthy kidneys filter it out. People living with chronic kidney disease, though, can't clear p-cresol efficiently. Blood levels rise, and that poses real trouble — evidence points toward links with inflammation, blood vessel damage, and increased risk for heart problems. For doctors and researchers, knowing the formula matters less than understanding what happens if it builds up. Testing for p-cresol has become a practical tool to gauge kidney health and guide therapy.
Toxicologists pay close attention to p-cresol runoff. Even small quantities can harm aquatic life, damaging fish gills or disrupting the delicate cycles amphibians need to survive. Soil bacteria sometimes break it down, depending on the local ecosystem, but that process won’t always keep up with dumping from factories. People who dig in the dirt for home gardens, raise backyard chickens, or swim in ponds close to industry sometimes worry: does contamination make it past the testing labs? Clear regulations and transparency from local officials matter because these risks don’t go away just because you can’t see the molecule.
Chemists know ways to break down p-cresol in wastewater. Activated carbon, advanced oxidation, or certain bacteria can reduce risk before water returns to the environment. Factories choosing cleaner technology and tighter controls limit how much escapes. Over the last decade, more research money aims at making these solutions cheaper and more accessible, especially in countries with expanding industry. On a personal front, staying informed and pushing for scientific literacy around chemical formulas pays off. The world relies on chemicals; clear-eyed science and public checks help keep benefits while trimming the costs that drift downstream.
Ask a dozen people walking by if they know what C7H8O really means. Most would shrug. Breaking down the gap between textbook formulas and the consequences outside the lab demands clear language and honest conversation. From local air and water to the health of neighbors and future generations, even a simple formula like p-cresol connects with real choices, real risks, and a continuing story of safer chemistry.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 4-Methylphenol |
| Other names |
4-Methylphenol p-Cresylic alcohol para-Cresol p-Toluenol 1-Hydroxy-4-methylbenzene |
| Pronunciation | /prəˈsiːsɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 106-44-5 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1369532 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:2879 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1432 |
| ChemSpider | 546 |
| DrugBank | DB03793 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.004.444 |
| EC Number | EC 203-398-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 828 |
| KEGG | C01488 |
| MeSH | D017466 |
| PubChem CID | 287 |
| RTECS number | GO6475000 |
| UNII | Y02A7S1K9G |
| UN number | UN2076 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H8O |
| Molar mass | 108.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellowish crystalline solid |
| Odor | Phenolic |
| Density | 1.034 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.94 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.11 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.26 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 10.28 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -63.0·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.546 |
| Viscosity | 10.8 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.56 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 110.2 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | −30.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3377 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D08AE01 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS06, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS06,GHS08 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H302, H311, H331, H373, H314, H410 |
| Precautionary statements | H260, H301, H311, H314, H331, P210, P222, P231+P232, P261, P280, P301+P310, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P361, P363, P370+P378, P404, P403+P233, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 3-2-0 |
| Flash point | 86 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 545 °C (1013 hPa) |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits of P-Cresol: 1.8% - 7.0% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 207 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 207 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | KN6475000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 5 ppm |
| REL (Recommended) | 2 mg/L |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 250 ppm |
