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p-Cresol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H8O
CAS number
106-44-5
IUPAC name
p-cresol
State
State

At room temperature, p-Cresol is in a solid state, provided it is pure and free from impurities. It may become a liquid at temperatures above its melting point, particularly if contaminated or if the environment is slightly warmer.

Melting point (Celsius)
35.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
308.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
202.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
475.15
General information
Molecular weight
108.14g/mol
Molar mass
108.1400g/mol
Density
1.0340g/cm3
Appearence

p-Cresol typically appears as a white or slightly yellow crystalline solid. It can sometimes be found in a liquid state at room temperature if impurities are present. When freshly distilled or pure, it is generally a colorless solid, but discoloration often occurs upon exposure to air and light.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of p-cresol (C7H8O)

p-Cresol, also known as 4-methylphenol, exhibits intriguing solubility characteristics that are essential for its applications in various fields. Understanding its solubility can provide insights into its behavior in different environments:

  • Water solubility: p-Cresol is moderately soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 2.4 g/100 mL at 25°C. This solubility is attributed to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • Solubility in organic solvents: It is more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and ether, which can make it easier to utilize in organic syntheses and purification processes.
  • Environmental factors: Factors like temperature and pH can influence the solubility of p-cresol in water. As temperature increases, solubility tends to rise, allowing for greater dissolution.

p-Cresol's solubility pattern illustrates the balance between its polar functional group and nonpolar hydrocarbon structure, leading to its unique properties in chemical reactions and environmental interactions. As noted, “the solubility of a compound is a crucial factor in its potential applications and toxicity profiles.” Thus, the versatile solubility of p-cresol makes it a noteworthy compound in both research and industry.

Interesting facts

Exploring p-Cresol

p-Cresol, also known as 4-methylphenol, is an intriguing compound with a variety of applications and properties that make it a topic of interest for both scientists and chemistry students alike. Here are some key facts about this fascinating chemical:

  • Natural Occurrence: p-Cresol is naturally found in coal tar and is produced during the biodegradation of organic matter, particularly in environments with decomposing plant material.
  • Industrial Applications: This compound serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various chemicals including disinfectants, resins, and as an additive in the production of perfumes and flavors.
  • Antiseptic Properties: Owing to its antimicrobial properties, p-cresol has been used in disinfection, making it useful in both medical and laboratory settings. Historically, it has been utilized in surgical dressings.
  • Flavor Profile: Interestingly, its distinct odor resembles that of antiseptics, often being described as medicinal. This characteristic makes it an important compound in flavor chemistry, although usage must be controlled due to its toxicity.
  • Laboratory Uses: In the laboratory, p-cresol is often used as a reagent or solvent due to its stability and effectiveness in various reactions.

By understanding the multifaceted uses and properties of p-cresol, we can appreciate its role in both nature and industry. As chemists continue to explore its potential, the investigation of safer alternatives or derivatives remains a vital and ongoing endeavor.

With such diverse implications, p-cresol demonstrates the dynamic interplay between organic chemistry and real-world applications. Embracing these compounds can inspire the next generation of scientists to innovate and discover further possibilities!

Synonyms
4-Methylphenol
P-CRESOL
106-44-5
4-Cresol
4-Hydroxytoluene
Phenol, 4-methyl-
p-Methylphenol
para-Cresol
p-Hydroxytoluene
p-Tolyl alcohol
p-Kresol
p-Oxytoluene
p-Toluol
p-Cresylic acid
Paracresol
1-Hydroxy-4-methylbenzene
p-Methylhydroxybenzene
1-Methyl-4-hydroxybenzene
Paramethyl phenol
para-Cresylic acid
4-methyl phenol
Cresol, p-
p-Kresol [German]
Cresol, para-
p-Methyl phenol
CRESOL, PARA
Cresol, p-isomer
NSC 3696
CCRIS 647
FEMA No. 2337
p-Cresylate
HSDB 1814
UNII-1MXY2UM8NV
4-methyl-phenol
4-methylphenol (p-cresol)
Cresol,p-
EINECS 203-398-6
MFCD00002376
Phenol, 4-methyI
DTXSID7021869
AI3-00150
NSC-3696
P-CRESOL [FHFI]
P-CRESOL [HSDB]
1MXY2UM8NV
P-CRESOL [MI]
CHEMBL16645
DTXCID101869
CHEBI:17847
PARACRESOL [USP IMPURITY]
NSC3696
EC 203-398-6
NCGC00091519-04
TOLUENE,4-HYDROXY (PARA-CRESOL)
METACRESOL IMPURITY C [EP IMPURITY]
p-Cresol [UN2076] [Poison, Corrosive]
p-KRESOL (GERMAN)
DSSTox_CID_1869
AMYLMETACRESOL IMPURITY D [EP IMPURITY]
PARACRESOL (USP IMPURITY)
CAS-106-44-5
METACRESOL IMPURITY C (EP IMPURITY)
AMYLMETACRESOL IMPURITY D (EP IMPURITY)
pHydroxytoluene
pMethylphenol
pMethylphenylol
pOxytoluene
pKresol
pToluol
4methylphenol
4Hydroxytoluene
para cresol
pCresylic acid
p-methyl-phenol
p-Methylphenylol
Cresol, pisomer
paraCresylic acid
4Cresol
Phenol, 4methyl
Cresol, p
para-hydroxytoluene
pMethylhydroxybenzene
1Hydroxy4methylbenzene
1Methyl4hydroxybenzene
p-Cresol, 99%
Spectrum_000850
Tolterodine Impurity 6
p-Cresol, High Purity
CRESOL (PARA)
P-CRESOL [INCI]
Spectrum2_000765
Spectrum4_001740
Spectrum5_000540
SCHEMBL375
4-Hydroxy-1-methylbenzene
bmse000458
p-Cresol (ACGIH:OSHA)
DSSTox_RID_77380
DSSTox_RID_77554
NCIOpen2_001516
Phenol, 4-methyl-(9CI)
WLN: QR D1
DSSTox_GSID_24364
DSSTox_GSID_24858
KBioGR_002160
KBioSS_001330
p-Cresol, analytical standard
BIDD:ER0010
DivK1c_000381
SPECTRUM1500209
Cresol, (Mixture of isomers)
p-Cresol, >=99%, FG
SPBio_000810
SCHEMBL7812506
SGCUT00097
HMS501D03
KBio1_000381
KBio2_001330
KBio2_003898
KBio2_006466
DTXSID30236875
DTXSID40185628
NINDS_000381
HMS1920A16
HMS2091I04
Pharmakon1600-01500209
p-Cresol, for synthesis, 98.0%
4-Methylphenol, analytical standard
NSC95259
to_000033
Tox21_113240
Tox21_113445
Tox21_200402
Tox21_201115
Tox21_300029
BDBM50008543
CCG-38990
NSC-95259
NSC756709
STL183323
UN3455
AKOS000119005
Tox21_113445_1
DB01688
FC01590
IDI1_000381
NCGC00013272-01
NCGC00091519-01
NCGC00091519-02
NCGC00091519-03
NCGC00091519-05
NCGC00091519-06
NCGC00091519-07
NCGC00091519-09
NCGC00253980-01
NCGC00257956-01
NCGC00258667-01
TOLUENE,4-HYDROXY (PARA-CRESOL)
4-Methylphenol 10 microg/mL in Methanol
PS-11958
CAS-1319-77-3
p-Cresol, JIS special grade, >=99.0%
SBI-0051322.P003
NS00008242
4-Methylphenol 100 microg/mL in Cyclohexane
EN300-19427
p-Cresol, puriss. p.a., >=99.0% (GC)
C01468
AB00051955_02
Q312251
SR-05000002037
SR-05000002037-1
BRD-K56940914-001-04-2
F1908-0066
Z104473818
Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association Number 2337
2876-02-0