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Introduction

 
Cresols are organic compounds which are methylphenols. Depending on the temperature, cresols can be solid or liquid because they have melting points not far from room temperature. Like other types of phenols, they are slowly oxidized by long exposure to air and the impurities often give cresols a yellowish to brownish red tint.

Cresols have an odor characteristic to that of other simple phenols, reminiscent to some of a “medicine” smell.

Cresols are used to dissolve other chemicals, as disinfectants and deodorizers, and to make specific chemicals that kill insect pests.

Cresol solutions are used as household cleaners and disinfectants. Cresol solutions can also be found in photographic developers. In the past, cresol solutions have been used as antiseptics in surgery, but they have been largely displaced in this role by less toxic compounds.

Cresols are found in many foods and in wood and tobacco smoke, crude oil, coal tar, and in brown mixtures such as creosote, cresolene and cresylic acids, which are wood preservatives.

 

See: 

 

Specification

Specification for Special Cresol

Specification for Technical Cresol

 

Safety Information

Overview

Cresol, a highly caustic, colorless solid or liquid with a sweet tarry odor, is used mainly as a disinfectant. Cresol is very corrosive to all tissues. When it comes in contact with the skin it may not produce any burning sensation immediately. Prickling and intense burning will occur followed by loss of feeling. If cresol contacts the eyes it may cause extensive damage. Cresol vapors and liquids are absorbed through inhalation and eye and skin contact. Repeated or prolonged exposure to low concentrations of cresol can produce chronic systemic poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, fainting, dizziness, mental disturbance and skin rash. Cresol attacks the central nervous system, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, skin and eyes.

General

Synonyms: cresylic acid, crysylol, tricresol, methylphenol
Molecular formula: C7H8O
CAS No: 1319-77-3
EINECS No: 215-293-2

Physical data

Appearance: brownish liquid with a phenol-like odour
Melting point: 11 – 35 C (?)
Boiling point: 201 C
Vapour density: 3.7 (air = 1)
Vapour pressure: 0.1 mm Hg at 20 C
Density (g cm-3): 1.04
Flash point: 86 C (closed cup)
Explosion limits: 1.1 – 1.4%
Autoignition temperature:
Water solubility:

Stability

Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Toxicology

Corrosive. Toxic. Harmful by ingestion, inhalation and in contact with skin. Severe skin and eye irritant. May cause skin burns or discolouration. Chronic exposure may lead to kidney or liver damage. Typical TLV/TWA 5 ppm. Typical PEL 5 ppm.

Toxicity data

ORL-RAT LD50 1454 mg kg-1
SKN-RBT LD50 2000 mg kg-1
ORL-MUS LD50 760 mg kg-1
ORL-RBT LDLO 1400 mg kg-1

Transport information

UN No 2076.
Personal protection
Safety glasses, gloves, adequate ventilation.

Safety phrases

S36 S37 S39 S44.