You find 4-Chloro-O-Cresol, known to chemists as 4-chloro-2-methylphenol, in a surprising number of industrial and household products. This material shows up as a raw ingredient in everything from disinfectants to preserving agents. Its chemical structure packs a punch: a single benzene ring, one methyl group, one chlorine atom, and a hydroxyl group. The molecular formula C7H7ClO, with a molar mass of 142.58 g/mol, spells out its compact power. Solid at room temperature, 4-Chloro-O-Cresol appears as fluffy white flakes, sometimes seen as powder or pearly beads, crumbling at a touch, shifting into a liquid only after pushing well past 80°C. That variety in its raw form — from flakes to powder, sometimes crystalline, rarely a liquid without extra help — comes from its tightly packed molecules and low water solubility. Each form shares the sharp, almost medicinal scent, a reminder of phenol’s strong roots.
The properties set 4-Chloro-O-Cresol apart from other raw materials. Its density clocks in around 1.38 g/cm3, giving it an unmistakable heft when handled in bulk. It melts at about 83–85°C, and the boiling point stretches out near 247°C under normal pressure. In water, it dissolves at around 2 grams per liter, not high, but enough for practical formulations. Alcohols, chloroform, and ether take up the compound readily, opening doors for mixing with a broad range of solvents in chemical processes. Roll this compound between your fingers (in a lab with gloves), and you’ll notice the crystalline flakes cling with a greasy texture before breaking up. It holds its ground under ordinary storage, resisting volatilization unless left exposed.
Direct experience shows that 4-Chloro-O-Cresol does its most useful work by killing bacteria and fungi at low concentrations. Hospitals trust it in disinfectant solutions — a routine use in cleaning surfaces and tools. With its chemical punch, the material protects industrial fluids, like those in metalworking, from mold and spoilage. Safety always stands front and center. While handling this chemical, one slip and you know it: the skin stings, the odor tickles the nose, and the material readily burns or irritates delicate tissue. Inhaling the dust or vapor raises the risk, so protective gear remains non-negotiable. The European Chemicals Agency and OSHA have flagged this compound as hazardous. Exposure limits exist for a reason: studies link it to harmful health effects, including skin and eye irritation, and in higher doses, more significant harm. Environmental concerns come next. Down the drain, this compound doesn’t break down easily, so accidental spills or careless disposal can affect aquatic ecosystems. Finding long-term, low-toxicity alternatives for sensitive uses still challenges the chemical industry.
Quality specifications for 4-Chloro-O-Cresol set a high bar. Purity usually lands above 99%, with tight controls on moisture content, residual solvents, and trace metals. Analytical chemistry helps track any variations batch-to-batch. The HS Code that tracks this raw material for shipping and import stands at 2908 19 00, marking it for customs as a chlorinated phenol. Regulatory bodies look closely at both safety data and supply chain documentation. Labels must display not just warnings but also handling advice, storage guidelines, and disposal instructions. Precise formulation standards drive down variance for end users who need consistency, whether making industrial cleaners, pharmaceutical intermediates or lubricating fluids. Anyone storing bulk 4-Chloro-O-Cresol must employ locked, ventilated containers away from food, incompatible chemicals, and excessive heat. The material’s stability and transport regulations mean small oversights can cause fines or lost product.
The story of 4-Chloro-O-Cresol mirrors the chemical industry’s struggles with balancing utility, workplace safety, and environmental stewardship. Strict adherence to modern handling protocols — gloves, masks, and closed systems — cuts down on health incidents. Labs and factories invest in advanced ventilation and air monitoring to keep dust from escaping and workers protected. In my time designing cleaning procedures for industrial clients, spills were rare, but when they came, they demanded fast cleanup with neutral absorbers and chemical-specific disposal. New research pushes for greener synthetic routes to reduce hazardous by-products. Companies stage periodic training sessions and chemical hazard drills, drilling home proper habits that protect people and the environment. Engineers develop better containment, shipping, and spill-response systems, aiming for zero-release standards. The rise of digital tracking and documentation for shipments, linking batches to specific QC records, makes compliance easier and strengthens consumer trust. Ultimately, better science, stronger regulation, and practical experience make for safer workplaces and cleaner communities.
