Chemical Properties
brown crystalline solid. Slightly soluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents and alkali solutions.
Uses
2,3-Dimethylphenol is used for organic synthesis. It is used as the hardener to produce industrial furane, the raw material of producing xylenol specialized product and the assistant of the main raw material of detergent.
Preparation
2,3-Dimethylphenol is obtained by diazotization and hydrolysis of 2,3-xylidine.
General Description
2,3-dimethylphenol appears as colorless crystalline solid or brown chunky solid. Taste threshold concentration 0.03 mg/L. Odor threshold concentration 0.5 mg/L. (NTP, 1992)
Air & Water Reactions
Hygroscopic. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Solutions of 1-Hydroxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene in water, DMSO, 95% ethanol or acetone should be stable for 24 hours under normal lab conditions. 1-Hydroxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene is incompatible with bases, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, and oxidizing agents. 1-Hydroxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene corrodes steel, brass, copper, and copper alloys.
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for 1-Hydroxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene are not available. 1-Hydroxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene is probably combustible.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Safety Profile
Poison bj 7 intravenous .
route. When heated to decomposition it
emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See
also other xylenol entries.
Purification Methods
Crystallise 2,3-xylenol from aqueous EtOH. [Beilstein 6 IV 3096.]
