4-Methylcatechol, known in the chemical world as 1,2-dihydroxy-4-methylbenzene, comes up often in labs and industrial settings. The structure has two hydroxyl groups on a benzene ring, side by side, with a methyl group sticking out at the para position from one. This design gives it some distinct properties that explain why it’s on the radar for research, synthesis, and manufacturing beyond the textbook. With the formula C7H8O2 and a molar mass right around 124.14 g/mol, this compound shows up in shorthand as 4-methylpyrocatechol or 3,4-dihydroxytoluene. HS Codes for chemicals in this group often class them for customs and regulatory tracking under 29072990, especially in shipments that cross borders for raw materials or research compounds.
4-Methylcatechol appears as flaky crystals or sometimes as a powder, depending on purity and storage. Holding it in hand, you get a whiff of phenolic odor, sharp but not as biting as some phenols or cresols. The color leans pale off-white to creamy or light beige, so if it shows a strong tint, that might be a purity flag. It doesn’t flow like sand but sits in heaps, especially in bulk form. The melting point stands in the 98–102°C range, so the crystals start to soften well before boiling. In terms of density, it’s tracked at approximately 1.19 g/cm3. That puts it close in feel to other solid aromatic chemicals, easy to scoop but quick to clump if humidity gets in, as it absorbs some moisture from the air. Its solubility in water stretches decently, though not as high as the parent catechol — but enough to see a cloudy solution at higher concentrations. Organic solvents like ethanol or ether dissolve it easily, so solutions are clear and usable for synthesis, analytical chemistry, or further formulation. In large-scale applications, purity sits above 98%, since contaminants can introduce issues during catalysis or biological testing.
With 4-Methylcatechol, the backbone always lays clear under a microscope or structural diagram — benzene ring, two adjacent hydroxyls on carbons 1 and 2, and that methyl group locked at carbon 4. Though it sounds technical, this layout sets the tone for its reactivity. It slots neatly into synthetic pathways, especially in making pharmaceuticals, antioxidants, and agrochemicals. I remember the importance of that methyl on carbon 4: it alters electron density and changes how the molecule reacts with bromine, oxidants, or even biological enzymes. Not every isomer behaves this way, so precision in naming and structure means a lot in real-world use.
From a raw materials perspective, this chemical packs a punch in intermediate chemistry. Manufacturers draw on its catechol skeleton with modifications, making it useful in drugs, dyes, flavorings, and polymers. In my own work, I’ve seen it used for synthesizing vanillin analogues and other aromatic compounds. Researchers value the rigidity of the molecule and the way the hydroxyls participate in hydrogen bonding. This gives formulations enhanced antioxidant strength in some applications. Analysts in regulatory roles use HS Codes and clear property data to flag shipments and trace possible hazardous exposure; clear labeling and Safety Data Sheets always highlight these specifications.
4-Methylcatechol isn’t a household name outside chemistry, but it draws hazard attention because phenolic compounds can be toxic and cause skin or eye irritation. Working with this chemical in the lab, I always double up on nitrile gloves, goggles, and sometimes face shields, just in case. On skin, it can sting, and dust in the nose or throat burns. No strong long-term toxicity evidence exists in popular research, but caution wins — avoid breathing in any dust, prevent splashes, keep containers tightly closed, and ventilate workspaces. Industrial hygiene practices dictate storing it in cool, dry places in sealed glass or certain plastics rather than metal, which can catalyze unwanted oxidation or leaching. Waste streams require special treatment, as discharge into the environment can disrupt aquatic life, much like other phenolic substances. Emergency protocols call for copious water and sometimes neutralizing solutions, especially if spillage occurs on skin or workspace surfaces.
Commercial sources provide 4-Methylcatechol in drums, bottles, or smaller containers, depending on scale. Each comes labeled with CAS number 452-86-8, formula, lot number, grade (often “analytical” or “industrial”), and purity percentage. Buyers sometimes ask for certificates of analysis tracing density, melting point, and residual solvent levels; supply chain teams check compliance with HS Code and shipping documentation, particularly for international moves. In transport, keeping the material cool, dry, and protected from direct sun helps maintain integrity and prevents caking or degradation.
With the growing need for higher-purity aromatic chemicals in green chemistry and electronics, the role of 4-Methylcatechol continues to expand. As more safety data becomes available, researchers and managers alike push for lower-exposure protocols and better waste management. I’ve seen companies develop downstream oxidation or detoxification processes before venting waste streams. Collaboration with regulatory bodies, adoption of new air-handling or packaging systems, and ongoing monitoring help lower risk on worksites. For those in charge of procurement or compliance, staying current on international chemical codes ensures smoother customs experience and less chance of regulatory penalties. As technology changes, expectations rise for tracking and minimizing the environmental footprint, and strong spec sheets plus honest hazard statements make the difference between safe handling and potential mishap. Keeping up-to-date records and using smart storage and disposal practices not only aligns with legal standards but protects those working hands-on with 4-Methylcatechol.
