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Thymol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C10H14O
CAS number
89-83-8
IUPAC name
2-isopropyl-6-methyl-phenol
State
State

At room temperature, thymol is in a solid crystalline state. The compound is stable under normal conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
49.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
322.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
232.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
505.15
General information
Molecular weight
150.22g/mol
Molar mass
150.2170g/mol
Density
0.9650g/cm3
Appearence

Thymol presents as a colorless crystalline solid. It has a distinctive aromatic odor that resembles thyme, hence its name. The crystals can have a somewhat glossy appearance.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-phenol

2-isopropyl-6-methyl-phenol, commonly known as p-cymene, displays interesting solubility characteristics primarily influenced by its chemical structure. Being a phenolic compound, it has the ability to interact with both polar and nonpolar solvents, which contributes to its versatile solubility profile.

Here are some key points regarding the solubility of 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-phenol:

  • In Water: This compound is classified as slightly soluble in water due to the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH), which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, albeit with limited effectiveness given its hydrophobic hydrocarbon structure.
  • In Organic Solvents: It is readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform. This is attributed to its nonpolar hydrocarbon tail, which enhances interactions with nonpolar solvent molecules.
  • Temperature Dependency: Like many organic compounds, the solubility of 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-phenol can increase with temperature, making it more soluble in warmer solvents.

In summary, the solubility of 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-phenol is notably influenced by the polarity of the solvent used and the temperature. This makes it a compound of interest in various chemical applications where both aqueous and organic solubility properties are utilized.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-phenol

2-isopropyl-6-methyl-phenol, commonly known as p-cymene, is a fascinating compound that belongs to the class of aromatic compounds. Here are some intriguing points that highlight the significance of this compound:

  • Natural Occurrence: p-cymene is naturally found in the essential oils of various plants, including thyme, cumin, and oregano. It plays a role in the aroma and flavor profile of these herbs.
  • Industrial Applications: This compound is widely used in the chemical industry as a precursor for synthesizing other organic compounds, such as fragrances and flavoring agents.
  • Antimicrobial Properties: Studies have shown that 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-phenol possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a valuable candidate for pharmaceutical applications.
  • Solvent Properties: p-cymene acts as an effective solvent for a variety of substances, which can be advantageous in multiple chemical processes.
  • Environmental Importance: Due to its presence in plant oils, it has been studied for its potential as a natural pesticide, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.

In conclusion, 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-phenol is not just a chemical compound; it is an important player in the fields of biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. The diversity of its applications and natural occurrence makes it an exciting subject for further research and exploration.

Synonyms
2-methyl-6-(propan-2-yl)phenol
858-179-3
3228-04-4
2-ISOPROPYL-6-METHYLPHENOL
NISTC3228044
2-methyl-6-propan-2-ylphenol
Phenol, 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-
m-Cymen-2-ol
Phenol, 2-methyl-6-(1-methylethyl)-
BRN 1933783
6-Isopropyl-methylphenol
SCHEMBL99348
2-Isopropyl-6-methyl-phenol
CHEMBL281075
2-methyl-6-propan-2-yl-phenol
DTXSID70186027
KFETUQFRWIVAMU-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2-Methyl-6-(1-methylethyl)phenol
MFCD00869994
AKOS015917381
MB01563
CS-0239166
EN300-206930
F95299
3-06-00-01882 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
A821220