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Chlorocresol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H7ClO
CAS number
59-50-7
IUPAC name
2-chloro-3-methyl-phenol;2-chloro-4-methyl-phenol;2-chloro-6-methyl-phenol;3-chloro-2-methyl-phenol;3-chloro-4-methyl-phenol;3-chloro-5-methyl-phenol;4-chloro-2-methyl-phenol;4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol
State
State

Chlorocresol is a solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
64.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
337.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
235.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
508.15
General information
Molecular weight
142.58g/mol
Molar mass
142.5800g/mol
Density
1.2970g/cm3
Appearence

Chlorocresol typically presents as white crystalline solids. It may appear as small crystals or crystalline powder with a characteristic phenolic odor.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-Chloro-3-methyl-phenol and Related Compounds

The solubility characteristics of chlorinated methyl phenols, such as 2-chloro-3-methyl-phenol, 2-chloro-4-methyl-phenol, 2-chloro-6-methyl-phenol, 3-chloro-2-methyl-phenol, 3-chloro-4-methyl-phenol, 3-chloro-5-methyl-phenol, 4-chloro-2-methyl-phenol, and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol, can vary due to the influence of their molecular structure. Generally, these compounds have moderate solubility in organic solvents while showing limited solubility in water.

Key points regarding their solubility include:

  • Water Solubility: The presence of chlorine and methyl groups affects the overall hydrophilicity of the phenolic compounds, leading to low water solubility. For example, you might find that while solubility increases in water, it usually remains quite low, often cited in the range of parts per million.

  • Organic Solvents: These compounds are typically much more soluble in non-polar to slightly polar organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and toluene, making them suitable for various industrial applications.

  • Influence of Substituents: The position and type of substituent can alter solubility patterns. For instance, compounds with electron-donating groups may exhibit better solubility due to their increased capacity to interact with solvent molecules.

As a rule of thumb, remember that "like dissolves like," so the non-polar nature of many organic solvents makes them favorable for solubilizing chlorinated methyl phenols. Therefore, understanding the solubility of each specific compound is key for practical applications and further chemical synthesis.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Chlorinated Methyl Phenols

The compounds known as chlorinated methyl phenols represent a fascinating class of chemical compounds that pose significant interest in both industrial and environmental contexts. Here are some key highlights about these compounds:

  • Antiseptic Properties: Many chlorinated methyl phenols are recognized for their antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making them valuable in various medical and hygiene applications.
  • Disinfectants: These compounds are often used in the formulation of disinfectants due to their effectiveness in killing harmful microorganisms.
  • Industrial Uses: Beyond hygiene products, they serve as intermediates in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides, showcasing their versatility in chemical manufacturing.
  • Environmental Concerns: While useful, their persistence in the environment raises concerns due to potential toxicity to aquatic organisms and their role as endocrine disruptors.
  • Isomeric Variations: The variety of isomers allows researchers to explore different substituent effects on their biological activity and chemical behavior, enriching the landscape of organic chemistry.

As scientists and chemistry students delve into the study of these compounds, they uncover a wealth of knowledge about molecular interactions, reactivity, and environmental sustainability. The dual nature of chlorinated methyl phenols—being both beneficial and potentially hazardous—highlights the delicate balance chemists strive to maintain in the pursuit of innovation.