2,6-Bis(Hydroxymethyl)-P-Cresol sits in the family of substituted cresols, carrying two hydroxymethyl groups at the 2 and 6 positions of the para-cresol core. In the world of raw materials, it signals reliability for chemists and manufacturers looking for building blocks that go beyond the basics of just phenol derivatives. It comes with a chemical formula of C9H12O3 and stems from the careful processing of p-cresol. From the moment it shows up as an off-white crystalline solid or fine powder, it makes clear that not all intermediates look or behave the same.
What jumps out first about 2,6-Bis(Hydroxymethyl)-P-Cresol is its appearance. Whether as white flakes, crystalline pearls, or a dense powder, every format delivers consistent purity and performance. People working on polymer resins and specialty coatings rarely find a material as versatile. The melting point lands between 111-114 degrees Celsius, which makes it easy to handle in plant conditions. This compound dissolves with ease in hot ethanol or ether, shows moderate solubility in boiling water, while resisting most non-polar solvents. Its density averages 1.26 g/cm³ at room temperature, which gives an idea of storage needs.
No one wants surprises when sourcing intermediates. This compound appears as a pure solid with less than 0.5% moisture. Often offered in semi-coarse powder or crystalline flakes, it lends itself to both automated mixing and manual dosages. The molecular weight totals 168.19 g/mol, useful for batch calculations and scale-up planning. People call for it in bulk bags or drums, some even request solutions at precise concentrations in aqueous or organic solvents. Safety comes from the right handling protocols: containment to avoid dust, ventilation for steamy reactions, and gloves to keep skin contact at bay. Measuring out for resin synthesis or antioxidant preparation makes use of the solid’s clean, free-flowing consistency.
Chemically, the molecular skeleton consists of a benzene ring, methylated at the para position, flanked by two hydroxymethyl groups at the ortho sites. This arrangement directs the reactivity, bringing unique diol characteristics that encourage branching, cross-linking, or etherification in downstream processes. The OH groups, being both reactive and close in proximity, open up nucleophilic routes for polymer chemists. Those two arms at the 2 and 6 positions lead to high performance in thermoset resins, giving the final product more resistance to wear or chemical attack.
Industries look for chemicals that do more than fill a slot in a recipe. 2,6-Bis(Hydroxymethyl)-P-Cresol fits as an essential intermediate for epoxy resins, phenolic materials, and specialty adhesives. This ingredient locks in dimensional stability, heat resistance, and mechanical strength. It pops up in electrical insulating varnishes and as a stabilizer for plastics. When regulations set limits for toxicity or migration, this compound often meets the bar thanks to its relatively low volatility and manageable toxicity profile as backed up by rigorous safety data sheets. Environmental and food packaging sectors take an interest for its performance as a non-phthalate-based solution, giving engineers alternatives to legacy materials that no longer match regulations or consumer expectations.
Shipping and regulatory paperwork point to the Harmonized System (HS) Code, often listed as 290729. It travels as a non-dangerous good under standard transport codes, though anyone handling fine powders learns quickly to keep dust controls and fire prevention measures strict. The compound doesn’t bring acute hazards at scale, but continuous exposure without gloves, goggles, or masks leaves workers with irritation concerns. Those planning supply chains note: this product stores best at below 40°C, out of direct sunlight, and tightly sealed to prevent caking or uptake of ambient moisture. With global demand rising, consistent access depends on sound logistics, clearly labeled packages, and close attention to compliance with EU REACH or US TSCA requirements.
Concerns about raw material sourcing, worker safety, and chemical waste always follow high-volume intermediates. The market for 2,6-Bis(Hydroxymethyl)-P-Cresol deals with issues like the availability of high-purity p-cresol and the downstream impact of spent solvents in manufacturing. Genuine traceability, batch-level quality controls, and investment in closed-loop solvent recovery push the industry toward safer and greener production. For sustainability, some producers direct attention to renewable feedstocks, aiming for biobased cresols in the future. End-users demand full transparency through safety data sheets, environmental impact assessments, and life cycle analyses prior to adoption. These steps matter most as legislation tightens and downstream customers trace ingredients more closely than ever before. Investing up front in worker training and modern environmental controls pays off in both safety records and the bottom line.
2,6-Bis(Hydroxymethyl)-P-Cresol keeps its place in industries focused on specialty polymers, adhesives, and advanced coatings. Clarity over its physical traits—be it a chunky crystal, fine powder, or dense pearls—lets buyers plan storage, feeding, and reaction strategies that meet strict product specs. Companies expecting next-level performance turn to this molecule for its predictable behavior and unique chemical structure. Supply chains strengthen when both buyers and sellers commit to safety, quality, and honest assessment of every link in the process—from raw material to finished product.
