3-Nitrophenol stands among aromatic compounds developed through the nitration of phenol. People tend to recognize it through its faint yellow color, solid structure, and distinctive odor, making it common in laboratories and industrial processes. Its molecular formula, C6H5NO3, translates to a blend of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms, arranged so that a nitro group attaches to the third position on the phenol ring. Many chemical manufacturers deal with solid flakes, powder, granular pearls, or crystal forms, each designed for specific industrial use. With a molecular weight of 139.11 g/mol, the compound’s density sits near 1.48 g/cm³ at ambient temperature. Some industries prefer it in carefully prepared liquid solution, though this requires strict handling to address solubility and reactivity concerns.
Physical properties of 3-Nitrophenol influence its use across multiple sectors. Most samples melt between 95°C and 97°C, with a boiling point at 279°C under atmospheric pressure. Its relatively low solubility in water (about 18 g/L at 20°C) means many technicians favor organic solvents like ethanol or ether when dissolving it for further synthesis or formulation. The solid’s color offers a quick visual cue for purity, shifting from pale cream to deep canary yellow with increased concentrations. Each shipment should always list key specifications such as assay percentage, appearance, moisture content, and impurity levels to ensure the right fit for pharmaceutical intermediates, dye production, or other specialty chemical applications.
Looking closer at its structure, 3-Nitrophenol presents a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group at the first position and a nitro group locked at the meta (third) position. This arrangement creates a mix of acidic and electron-withdrawing properties, explaining its unique reactivity profile. In chemical synthesis, this structure opens pathways for further substitutions, coupling reactions, and ring transformations. Its crystalline habit allows chemists to achieve precise weighing and predict stable storage conditions. Some suppliers deliver it in finely divided powder form, while others favor larger flakes or dense pearls, each with flow and handling characteristics tailored for specific operations.
Customs and logistics rely heavily on correct classification. For 3-Nitrophenol, the applicable Harmonized System (HS) Code usually falls under 2908.99, reserved for phenols and their derivatives. Each export shipment must show the appropriate code, aiding international trade and ensuring safe, legal transactions. Documentation from reputable suppliers often carries details about raw material origin, batch traceability, and compliance data. This attention to regulatory detail keeps both buyers and sellers clear of snags at border crossings or during safety inspections, an everyday challenge for chemical distributors and manufacturers I’ve worked with in the textile and pharmaceutical supply chains.
With chemical substances like 3-Nitrophenol, worker health and site safety stay at the front of the conversation. This compound counts as hazardous; direct exposure can irritate skin, eyes, or respiratory tract, and ingestion or significant inhalation brings toxic risks. Many producers label containers with hazard symbols, proper use instructions, and clear emergency guidance. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) should outline permissible exposure limits, first aid, spill response, and storage guidance. Factories and labs enforce glove, eye-shield, and fume extraction protocols—not optional, but learned from a few near misses throughout my career in process chemistry and production management. Local regulations often require spill kits, fire protection planning, and registered waste management programs to keep chemical runoff from entering waterways or municipal landfills.
3-Nitrophenol serves as a raw material in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Manufacturers often select it for its role as a key intermediate in producing dyes for textiles, pigments, and special effect coatings. In pharmaceutical synthesis, it helps build more complex molecules needed in APIs and diagnostic agents. The choice of form—flakes, powder, pearls, or crystal—depends largely on process equipment and desired reaction rates, a point I’ve debated with process engineers refining cost and output goals. Sourcing always demands a check on purity and batch consistency; repeated analysis through HPLC or GC methods confirms each lot meets the minimum assay and falls within allowed impurity limits, supporting quality and end-product performance.
Responsible management of 3-Nitrophenol starts with strict procurement policies and clear auditing of supply chains. Manufacturers building dyes, pharmaceuticals, or specialty coatings benefit from close partnerships with vendors that provide robust quality documentation, rapid support, and continual updates on regulatory changes. On site, well-trained staff, regular safety drills, and investment in closed-loop handling systems go a long way toward injury prevention and waste reduction. Environmental engineers can look to advanced filtration or chemical neutralization equipment, keeping effluent and emissions within permitted levels. Community dialogue also matters—keeping neighbors and local agencies fully informed and engaged leads to better public trust, especially near production or warehousing sites. Over the years, I’ve found companies that prioritize transparency fare far better during inspection cycles and emergency response events.
