| Description |
2, 5-dimethylphenol (also known as 2, 5-xylenol, or p-xylenol, chemical formula: (CH3)2C6H3OH.) is a chemical compound as one of the six isomers of xylenol. It is found in alcoholic beverages, coffee and whisky. It is a kind of flavoring agent belonging to the family of Ortho Cresols. One of its applications is for the synthesis of Mexilethine. It has important industrial importance, e.g. for the manufacture of antioxidants. It is also a monomer for the poly (p-phenylene oxide) engineering resins through carbon-oxygen oxidative coupling. It is traditionally extracted from the coal tar. |
| References |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2,6-Xylenol
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylenol
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2_5-dimethylphenol#section=Top |
| Chemical Properties |
WHITE TO CREAM COLORED CRYSTALS |
| General Description |
Colorless to off-white crystalline solid. Odor threshold concentration 0.4 mg/L. Taste threshold concentration 0.5 mg/L. |
| Air & Water Reactions |
2,5-Dimethylphenol is hygroscopic. Insoluble in water. |
| Reactivity Profile |
2,5-Dimethylphenol is incompatible with bases, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides and oxidizing agents. 2,5-Dimethylphenol corrodes steel, brass, copper and copper alloys. |
| Fire Hazard |
Flash point data for 2,5-Dimethylphenol are not available. 2,5-Dimethylphenol is probably combustible. |
| Safety Profile |
Poison by ingestion. Moderately toxic by an unspecified route. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. Used in disinfectants, solvents, pharmaceuticals, plasticizers, and wetting agents. See also other xylenol entries. |
| Purification Methods |
Crystallise 2,5-xylenol from EtOH/ether. [Beilstein 6 IV 3164.] |
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