The substance shows a strong antimicrobial effect especially towards bacteria and fungi, and in particular dermatophytes. The microbicide is used mostly for epidermal applications, e.g., in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and soaps because it is tolerated well by skin and has a low skin-sensitization potential.
4-benzyl-6-chloro-o-cresol is prepared from 2-chloro-6-methylphenol (or the forerunnings formed in the production of 4-chloro-2-methylphenol by chlorination of 2- methylphenol) by reaction with benzyl chloride in the presence of anhydrous zinc chloride starting at 100 ℃ and reaching completion after 5 h at 150–155 ℃.
LD50 (oral, mouse) 1700 mg/kg, LD50 (subcutaneous, mouse) 1000 mg/kg, LD50 (intravenous, mouse) 96 mg/kg
