Introduction

A commercial mixtures of phenolic materials boiling above the cresol range. An arbitrary standard in use for cresylic acids is that 50% must boil above 204C. If the boiling point is less than 204C, the material is called cresol. Meta Para Cresol varies widely according to its source and boiling range. 

A typical commercial cut, bp 220–250C, has the composition : 
m- and p-cresols 0–1%; 
2,4- and 2,5-xylenols 0–3%; 
2,3- and 3,5-xylenols 10–20%; 
3,4-xylenol 20–30%; and 
C9 phenols 50–60%. 

Applications

Excellent electrical insulators. 

Other uses include Phosphate esters, phenolic resins, wire enamel solvent, plasticizers, gasoline additives, laminates, coating for magnet wire for small electric motors. Disinfectants, metal-cleaning compounds, phenolic resins, flotation agents, surfactants, chemical intermediates, oil additives, solvent refining of lubricating oils, scouring compounds, pesticides. 

General details

Names: Meta Para Cresol,  Cresylic acid, Mixed Cresol, Synthetic cresol
CAS: 1319 – 77 – 3

Formula: C7H8O

Derivation: Petroleum, coal tar. Imported cresylic acid is derived from coal tar (gasworks), also made synthetically.

Safety Information

Hazard: Corrosive to skin, absorbed via skin. 

Safety Information (MSDS) data for m-cresol

General

Synonyms: meta-cresol, 3-methylphenol, 3-cresol, meta-cresylic acid, m-cresylic acid, 3-hydroxytoluene, m-methylphenol, 1-hydroxy-3-methylbenzene, m-oxytoluene, m-cresole, m-toluol
Use: synthetic intermediate, component in disinfectants, wood preservatives, fumigants, paintbrush cleaning fluids
Molecular formula: CH3C6H4OH
CAS No: 108-39-4

Physical data

Appearance: colourless to light yellow liquid
Melting point: 11 C
Boiling point: 203 C
Vapour density:
Vapour pressure: 1 mm at 50 C
Density (g cm-3): 1.03
Flash point: 86 C
Explosion limits: 1.1 – 1.4%
Autoignition temperature: 558 C
Water solubility: moderate

Stability

Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, strong acids, aluminium, aluminium alloys. Air and light sensitive. Hygroscopic.

Toxicology

Corrosive – may cause serious burns. Harmful if inhaled, and in contact with the skin. May be fatal if swallowed. Experimental neoplastigen. Typical TLV/TWA 5 ppm.

Toxicity data

ORL-RAT LD50 242 mg kg-1
SKN-RAT LD50 620 mg kg-1
IPR-MUS LD50 168 mg kg-1
ORL-MUS LD50 828 mg kg-1

Risk phrases

R20 R21 R22 R36 R37 R38.

Transport information

UN No 2076. Packing group II. Hazard class 6.1.

Personal protection

Safety glasses, gloves, adequate ventilation.

Safety (MSDS) data for p-cresol

General

Synonyms: 4-methylphenol, p-cresylic acid, 4-cresol, p-hydroxytoluene, 4-hydroxytoluene, p-methylphenol, para-cresol, p-tolyl alcohol, p-toluol
Molecular formula: CH3C6H4OH
CAS No: 106-44-5
EINECS No:

Physical data

Appearance: crystals
Melting point: 34 C
Boiling point: 202 C
Vapour density: 3.7 (air = 1)
Vapour pressure: 0.1 mm Hg at 20 C
Density (g cm-3): 1.03
Flash point: 86 (closed cup)
Explosion limits:
Autoignition temperature:
Water solubility: moderate

Stability

Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Light-sensitive.

Toxicology

Poison. May be fatal if swallowed. Readily absorbed through the skin. Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, and in contact with skin. Causes severe burns. Experimental neoplastigen. May cause serious eye damage. Severe skin and eye irritant. Typical TLV/TWA 5 ppm. Typical PEL 5 ppm.

Toxicity data

SCU-RAT LD50 500 mg kg-1
ORL-MUS LD50 344 mg kg-1
ORL-RBT LDLO 620 mg kg-1
ORL-RAT LD50 207 mg kg-1
SKN-RAT LD50 750 mg kg-1
IPR-MUS LD50 25 mg kg-1

Transport information

UN No 2076. Hazard class 6.1. Packing group II.

Personal protection

Safety glasses, gloves, adequate ventilation.