Chemical Properties
white crystalline powder
Definition
ChEBI: A member of the class of phenols that is phenol substituted with a tert-butyl group at position 4..
General Description
Crystals or practically white flakes. Has a disinfectant-like odor. May float or sink in water. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Phenols, such as 4-TERT-BUTYL PHENOL(98-54-4), do not behave as organic alcohols, as one might guess from the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group in their structure. Instead, they react as weak organic acids. Phenols and cresols are much weaker as acids than common carboxylic acids (phenol has Ka = 1.3 x 10^[-10]). These materials are incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. Heat is also generated by the acid-base reaction between phenols and bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization of the organic compound. Phenols are sulfonated very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature). The reactions generate heat. Phenols are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Hazard
Irritant to eyes and skin.
Potential Exposure
Butylphenols may be used as intermediates in manufacturing varnish and lacquer resins; as a
germicidal agent in detergent disinfectants; as a pour point
depressant, in motor-oil additives; de-emulsifier for oil;
soap-antioxidant, plasticizer, fumigant, and insecticide
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts
the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from
exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has
stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer
promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has
been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit
Shipping
UN2430 Alkylphenols, solid, n.o.s. (including
C2-C12 homologues), Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8—
Corrosive material
Incompatibilities
Vapors may form explosive mixture with
air. These phenol/cresol materials can react with oxidizers;
reaction may be violent. Incompatible with strong reducing
substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat
of the reaction may cause the gas to ignite and explode.
Heat is also generated by the acid-base reaction with bases;
such heating may initiate polymerization of the organic
compound. React with boranes, alkalies, aliphatic amines,
amides, nitric acid, sulfuric acid. Phenols are sulfonated
very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at
room temperature). These reactions generate heat. Phenols
are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid and
can explode when heated. Many phenols form metal salts
that may be detonated by mild shock
Description
Para-tertiary-butylphenol formaldehyde resin (PTBPF-
R) is a polycondensate of para-tertiary-butylphenol
and formaldehyde. Major occupational sources are
neoprene glues and adhesives in industry, in the
shoemaking and leather industry or in car production.
It is also used as a box preservative in box and
furniture manufacture, and in the production of
casting moulds, car-brake linings, insulated electrical
cables, adhesives, printing inks and paper laminates.
Para-tertiary-butyl-phenol is the sensitizer.
Occurrence
Reported found in origanum (Coridothymus cap. (L.) Richb.)
Application
4-tert-Butylphenol may be employed as carbon and energy supplement in the culture medium of Sphingobium fuliginis strains.
4-tert-Butylphenol is suitable reagent used in kinetic study of hydroxylation of 4-tert-butylphenol by mushroom tyrosinase. It may be used in the synthesis of calix[7]arene.
Preparation
Prepared by heating phenol with isobutanol in the presence of zinc chloride; also from phenol, tert- butyl chloride and
excess alkali in alcohol
Purification Methods
Crystallise the phenol to constant melting point from pet ether (b 60-80o). It sublimes in vacuo. Also purify it via the benzoate, as for phenol. The salicylate ester [87-18-30] has m 63-64o (from aqueous EtOH, or EtOH). [Beilstein 6 IV 3296.]