m -Cresol
m-Cresol, also known as 3-methylphenol, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₇H₈O, serving as one of the three isomeric forms of cresol, where the methyl group is positioned meta to the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring.[1] It appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic tarry, phenolic odor and is moderately soluble in water.[2] m-Cresol exhibits key physical properties including a melting point of 11–12 °C, a boiling point of 202 °C, and a density of 1.03 g/cm³ at 20 °C, making it a viscous liquid at room temperature that solidifies upon cooling.[1] Chemically, it is stable under normal conditions but sensitive to light, air, and heat, potentially darkening over time; it reacts vigorously with strong oxidizers, bases, and certain acids like nitric acid.[1] Its pKa value of approximately 10.01 indicates weak acidity, typical of phenols.[2] Industrial production of m-cresol primarily involves fractional distillation from coal tar or petroleum fractions, where it occurs naturally alongside ortho- and para-isomers, followed by separation via distillation or sulfonation methods.[2] Synthetic routes include chlorination or sulfonation of toluene, followed by hydrolysis to yield the meta isomer selectively.[1] Global production volumes are significant, with annual outputs in the European Economic Area exceeding 10,000 tonnes, mainly for use in polymers and chemical manufacturing.[3] As a versatile chemical intermediate, m-cresol is widely employed in the synthesis of pesticides such as fenthion and fenitrothion, antioxidants, synthetic vitamin E (via methylation to 2,3,6-trimethylphenol), herbicides, fumigants, and resins.[4] It also functions as a disinfectant and preservative in products like Lysol and certain insulin formulations, and finds applications in photographic developers, explosives, and fragrances due to its solvent properties.[2] Additionally, trace amounts occur naturally in some foods, tobacco smoke, and as a toluene metabolite in biological systems.[1] m-Cresol poses significant health and environmental hazards; it is toxic if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, causing severe burns, eye damage, and potential central nervous system depression.[3] Acute oral toxicity in rats shows an LD50 of 242–2,020 mg/kg, and it is classified as a possible human carcinogen (Group C) with experimental evidence of neoplastic effects.[1][2] Environmentally, it is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects and exhibits moderate mobility in soil.[3] Occupational exposure limits include a TLV of 20 mg/m³, emphasizing the need for protective measures in handling.[1]Properties
Physical properties
m-Cresol, systematically named 3-methylphenol, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₇H₈O and a molar mass of 108.14 g/mol.[1] Its structure consists of a phenol ring substituted with a methyl group at the meta position. The compound appears as a colorless to yellowish viscous liquid at room temperature.[1] Key physical properties of m-cresol are summarized in the following table:| Property | Value | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.034 g/cm³ | 20 °C |
| Melting point | 11.8 °C | - |
| Boiling point | 202.2 °C | 1013 hPa |
| Flash point | 86 °C | Closed cup |
| Vapor pressure | 0.11 mmHg | 25 °C |
| Viscosity | 12.9 mPa·s | 25 °C |