4-Chloro-3,5-Xylenol stands out as a key antiseptic and disinfectant ingredient, largely found in a wide range of personal care and cleaning products. Industry folks often recognize it under the name PCMX. Laboratories, hospital staff, and household users rely on its ability to target bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. The chemical structure features a chlorinated aromatic nucleus, giving it a sturdy profile backed by a formula of C8H9ClO. For chemists, the molecular weight rests at about 156.61 g/mol, and the CAS number helps track its use globally across regulations.
The substance usually turns up as a white to creamy solid, which flakes or powders under most storage conditions. You can find it in forms like flakes, crystals, and powders, rarely as liquid unless mixed in a solution. Its density hovers near 1.19 g/cm³. The bet on purity drives manufacturers to offer 4-Chloro-3,5-Xylenol in high-purity batches, over 98% in most pharmaceutical or medical-grade lots. It dissolves in organic solvents, showing poor solubility in water, which shapes how product developers blend it with surfactants to get even delivery in soaps or disinfectant liquids. With a melting point near 114-116°C, the material remains stable at room temperature and only starts to decompose at elevated heat, which hints why product storage guidelines mention cool, dry places away from direct heat or sunlight. Its molecular structure, centered on a benzene ring with methyl and chloro groups, suits it for broad-spectrum antimicrobial action.
Global trade systems classify this substance using the Harmonized System or HS code. Most supply chain teams rely on HS Code 2908.19, a chemical trade identifier that aligns shipments with international safety, tariff, and chemical import regulations. These codes keep customs compliant while the product crosses borders to pharmaceuticals, raw materials, and processed household goods manufacturers. Technical sheets usually give specifics on appearance, melting point, water content, assay values, and any common impurities, since regulatory authorities and purchasing agents use these specs as the baseline for quality control.
Manufacturers add 4-Chloro-3,5-Xylenol to hand soaps, antiseptic washes, wound cleansers, and floor cleaners, valuing its reliable efficacy against both gram-positive and many gram-negative organisms. You’ll also spot it in raw form where factories blend it for downstream applications—either in flake or powder styles depending on plant mixing requirements. Factories pay attention to form because powder gives quick dispersion in blends, while flakes handle dust control. Cleaning product developers often formulate stable solutions by dissolving the raw material into alcohol or glycol systems. Its use sometimes faces scrutiny—history shows authorities limiting concentration in leave-on skin products, so you often see ranges between 0.3% and 3% depending on national regulations or product type.
The bulk of reports and safety data sheets reinforce the need for proper handling. 4-Chloro-3,5-Xylenol can cause irritation if inhaled, ingested, or in direct contact with skin in undiluted form. In my lab experience, gloves, protective eyewear, and dust masks never gather dust when handling this powder. The key hazard stems from its ability to act as a mild phenolic irritant—stronger exposure can spark allergic responses or even acute toxicity if swallowed. Safety instincts mean keeping containers tightly sealed, stored in a well-ventilated, cool place, and never reusing packaging to prevent accidental mixing. Anyone using this chemical as a raw material must keep spill kits ready, avoid discharge into the environment, and always review local hazardous waste protocols.
At the molecular level, 4-Chloro-3,5-Xylenol’s phenolic structure grants it cell membrane disrupting power, which accounts for its antimicrobial action. Yet, this same mechanism brings concern regarding aquatic toxicity—studies highlight moderate persistence if released untreated into waterways. Factories that discharge production effluent containing it must check with local wastewater standards, as regulators in Europe, the United States, and Asia frequently examine discharge limits for phenolic and chlorinated compounds. Sustainable manufacturing teams now look into effluent pre-treatment and greener alternatives to minimize environmental load while retaining product quality. Responsible producers educate downstream partners on correct waste handling, safe dilution, and product life cycle impacts.
Fact-based global discussions keep advancing around how much and where 4-Chloro-3,5-Xylenol should be used. Regulatory agencies regularly update guidance based on toxicological findings. As a chemical that sits at the intersection of public health needs and environmental safety, its place in commerce continues to evolve. The challenge for companies: follow robust worker training, invest in process containment, and keep customers informed about safe usage. Companies succeed when they trust science and work closely with regulators to refine product labeling—showing concentrations, clear warnings, and first-aid measures in the event of accidental exposure. Investment in greener synthesis routes, improved purification to trim down impurities, and risk-based concentration limits help protect both consumers and the environment without sacrificing the core benefits this time-tested ingredient offers.
Product Name: 4-Chloro-3,5-Xylenol
Chemical Formula: C8H9ClO
Molecular Weight: 156.61 g/mol
Appearance: White to off-white flakes, powder, or crystals
Density: 1.19 g/cm³
Melting Point: 114-116°C
HS Code: 2908.19
Hazard Profile: Mild irritant, harmful if swallowed, use PPE
Raw Material Usage: Disinfectants, antiseptics, pharmaceutical intermediates
Solubility: Low in water, higher in organic solvents
Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, well-ventilated place, sealed containers
