General Information

Names: o-cresol, o-cresylic acid; 2-methylphenol
CAS: 95-48-7.

Formula: CH3C6H4OH.

Properties: White crystals; phenol-like odor. D 1.047; mp 30.9C; flash p 178F (81C); autoign temp 1110F (598C); bp 191C; wt/gal 8.68 lb. Soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and hot water.

Derivation: (1) By fractional distillation of crude cresol from coal tar. (2) Interaction of methanol and phenol.

Method of purification: Crystals.

Grade: According to fp: 25, 29, 30, 30.5C, etc.

Hazard: TLV: 5 ppm.

Safety Information

General

Synonyms: 2-cresol, o-cresylic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-methylbenzene, o-methylphenol, 2-methylphenol, o-toluol, 2-hydroxytoluene, o-hydroxytoluene
Molecular formula: C7 H8 O
CAS No: 95-48-7
EC No: 202-423-8

Physical data

Appearance: colourless to light yellow liquid
Melting point: 32 – 34 C
Boiling point: 191 C
Vapour density: 3.72
Vapour pressure: 0.3 mm Hg at 20 C
Specific gravity: 1.048
Flash point: 81 C
Explosion limits:
Autoignition temperature: 598 C

Stability

Stable, but light and air sensitive. Combustible. Incompatible with oxidizing agents, bases.

Toxicology

Highly toxic. May be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Experimental neoplastigen. Human mutagenic data. Readily absorbed through the skin. Very destructive of mucous membranes. Causes burns. Inhalation may cause spasm. Severe skin and eye irritant.

Toxicity data

ORL-RAT LD50 121 mg kg-1
SKN-RAT LD50 620 mg kg-1
SCU-RAT LDLO 65 mg kg-1
ORL-MUS LD50 344 mg kg-1
IVN-DOG LD50 80 mg kg-1
SCU-CAT LD50 55 mg kg-1

Risk phrases

R24 R25 R34.

Transport information

UN Major hazard class: 6.1. Packing group: II. UN No 2076.

Personal protection

Safety glasses, gloves, good ventilation.

Safety phrases

S36 S37 S39 S45.