3-Chlorophenol belongs to the family of chlorinated phenols and carries a single chlorine atom attached to the third position of the benzene ring along with a hydroxyl group. This molecule stands out in both industrial and laboratory settings because of its reactivity and the pathways used to make more complex chemical products. With a chemical formula of C6H5ClO and a molecular weight of about 128.56 g/mol, it finds surprising versatility, cropping up in pesticide synthesis, dye manufacturing, and even pharmaceutical intermediates. It comes in various physical forms, from off-white crystals to powder, and depending on production grade, flakes or pearls might show up in shipments. Some laboratories receive it in dense liquid solutions—though that depends heavily on storage and transport needs. For customs and regulatory filings, the HS Code usually falls under 2908.90.
The compound brings together a sharp phenolic odor and the tang of chlorine. I have handled solid chunks, where at room temperature, it feels dry and quickly absorbs moisture from the air. Melting kicks in at roughly 32 to 35 °C, so during hot spells or in warm warehouses, those crystals start to get sticky or even pool into a liquid. Its boiling point hits close to 205 °C under pressure, which influences how it gets distilled and purified. Its density (at 20 °C) rests near 1.36 g/cm³, much heavier than water, making spills easier to manage since it won’t float away. In craft or industry, understanding the benzene ring and the effects of adding chlorine and hydroxyl groups isn’t academic—those atoms control its reactivity and harm potential. Both the phenolic and chloro portions drive its chemical personality, with increased acidity compared to plain phenol and more persistent toxicity for aquatic organisms and soil. In solution, especially around neutral pH, 3-Chlorophenol dissolves reasonably well in organic solvents like ethanol, ether, and slightly in water. I've come across shipments in tightly sealed containers, since air exposure affects purity through slow oxidation or water absorption.
Trade material usually arrives as a solid, but some buyers ask for solutions dissolved in a specified volume, generally listed in liters. For chemical processes needing batch precision, manufacturers provide powder or crystalline forms, supporting easy weighing and transfer. Dry flakes and pearlish granules turn up in bulk processing, particularly for large-scale intermediates where direct pouring is practical. Purity marks climb to 99% for specialty work, but broader industrial uses might settle around 95%. Impurities matter in pharma and advanced electronics, where trace metals and other halogens could sabotage downstream reactions. Each batch should come with a technical data sheet—a habit formed in my own work after seeing contaminated lots cause costly shutdowns. These sheets show melting point, assay, moisture content, and codes for safe handling. Standard packaging uses moisture-proof plastic drums, fiberboard boxes for small scales, and metal containers if longer storage is required.
The hazardous nature of 3-Chlorophenol cannot be ignored, especially for those working with open vats, dusty powders, or even accidental leaks. Direct skin contact causes irritation, and even brief exposure to vapors can inflame eyes and respiratory pathways. Chronic handling without sturdy gloves and goggles risks burning and systemic toxicity—I've seen cases in small factories where brief contact led to days of discomfort and health checks. Inhalation brings headaches and dizziness, sometimes worse in poorly ventilated labs. Long-term exposure may disrupt liver and kidney functions. Its safety data calls for local exhaust ventilation, use of chemical splash goggles, and impervious gloves (butyl rubber types last longer than latex against phenolic compounds). In the event of a spill or exposure, manufacturers stress copious flushing with water and immediate medical attention for lasting effects. The chemical gets flagged as harmful for aquatic life, and in many places, disposal channels must go through incineration or well-controlled chemical treatment to stop environmental migration. A solid chain of responsibility appears in every major safety protocol, supported by material safety data sheets and workplace signage.
Most 3-Chlorophenol ends up as a building block in chemical synthesis, chained into herbicides, fungicides, and certain pharmaceuticals. It sometimes serves as a preservative or a disinfectant—though that’s shrinking as toxicity thresholds tighten. I’ve worked on projects testing water samples for residual chlorophenols after industrial use, and regulatory limits keep getting tougher, reflecting toxic effects on ecosystems and potential links to cancer in long-term human exposure. As a raw material, it's sourced from the chlorination of phenol, usually under acidic conditions, producing a mixture of isomers. Careful distillation screens out the desired 3-position variant. Raw phenol, hydrochloric acid, and catalysts lead the feedstock train. My own contacts in supply chains tell me that shortages of high-quality phenol or issues in transport logistics for hazardous goods sometimes cause price surges, especially following regulatory crackdowns in key exporting nations. Market monitoring and reliable vendor audits help protect both downstream processes and worker health.
One of the hardest truths about 3-Chlorophenol comes from its environmental persistence. Its breakdown can take weeks in soil or water, harming aquatic animals and accumulations climbing up the food chain. Where spills happen—sometimes from illegal dumping or container leakage—the cleanup becomes lengthy, costly, and fraught with risk. The chemical’s resistance to natural breakdown puts added pressure on wastewater treatment facilities and anyone managing process waste. Many countries now enforce strict discharge limits and require companies to track every kilogram through shipment, use, and disposal. Health risks from unintentional exposure, even at low levels, continue to concern communities living near chemical plants or waste disposal areas. Air and groundwater testing becomes routine, with public reporting requirements rising. Hearing from local residents about chemical odors or unusual illness jump-starts inspections, and the best suppliers invest in upgraded storage, monitoring, and notification systems. Workers’ health and nearby communities benefit most from these investments, which improve safety and maintain public trust in industrial operations.
