Chemical Properties
2-Ethylphenol is a colorless liquid. It is one of three isomeric ethylphenols. It has been used as a reagent for the synthesis of phenoxyacetic acid derivatives as novel free fatty acid receptor 1 agonists for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. 2-Ethylphenol has also been used in the preparation of aminoquinazoline-like toll receptor ligands and for potential immunotherapy.
Uses
2-Ethylphenol is used as a reagent in the synthesis of phenoxyacetic acid derivatives as novel free fatty acid receptor 1 agonists used in the treatment of diabetes. It is also used in the preparation of aminoquinazolines as Toll-like receptor 4 ligands and potential immunotherapeutics.
Preparation
2-Ethylphenol is produced by ethylation of phenol using ethylene or ethanol in the presence of aluminium phenolate. It is a natural product found in Cichorium endivia, Saussurea involucrata, and other organisms with data available.
Definition
ChEBI: 2-Ethylphenol is a member of phenols.
Safety Profile
Poison by intraperitoneal route. Moderately toxic by ingestion. Human toxic action similar to, but less severe than, that of phenol. Questionable carcinogen with experimental neoplastigenic data. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also PHENOL
Purification Methods
Purify as for p-ethylphenol below. [Beilstein 6 H 470, 6 IV 3011.]
