4-tert-Butylphenol is a chemical compound commonly used in the production of various consumer products, such as adhesives, paints, and lubricants. It also serves as an intermediate in the manufacturing of antioxidants, UV stabilizers, and pharmaceuticals. In everyday life, individuals may come into contact with 4-tert-Butylphenol through the use of these products or through environmental exposure. Understanding the properties and applications of 4-tert-Butylphenol is important for ensuring safe handling and usage of products containing this compound.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
4-tert-Butylphenol, also known as 4-tert-Butylphenol, is a chemical compound commonly used in commercial and industrial applications. It is widely utilized as an intermediate in the production of antioxidants, UV stabilizers, and other chemical additives for plastics, rubber, and other materials.
Additionally, 4-tert-Butylphenol is used as a surfactant in the formulation of lubricating oils, cutting fluids, and metalworking fluids. Its excellent solubility and dispersibility properties make it an ideal ingredient in various industrial processes where surface tension reduction is required.
In the field of drug and medication applications, 4-tert-Butylphenol is mainly utilized as a building block in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds. It is commonly employed in the production of antiseptics, sunscreen agents, and other dermatological products due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Its role as an intermediate in drug formulation makes it an essential component in the pharmaceutical industry.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
4-tert-Butylphenol is a white crystalline solid with a slight phenolic odor. The compound is often used as an antioxidant or a stabilizer in the manufacturing of various industrial and consumer products.
The molar mass of 4-tert-Butylphenol is approximately 150. The density of the compound is around 0.95 g/cm3. Compared to common food items, 4-tert-Butylphenol has a higher molar mass and lower density.
4-tert-Butylphenol has a melting point of around 66-68°C and a boiling point of approximately 240°C. In comparison to common food items, 4-tert-Butylphenol has a higher melting point and boiling point, making it more stable at high temperatures.
4-tert-Butylphenol is sparingly soluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents. The compound has a low viscosity. When compared to common food items, 4-tert-Butylphenol has lower solubility in water and lower viscosity, making it more difficult to dissolve in aqueous solutions.
🏭 Production & Procurement
4-tert-Butylphenol is typically produced through the alkylation of phenol with tert-butanol in the presence of an acidic catalyst. This reaction results in the formation of 4-tert-Butylphenol as the desired product, which can then be separated and purified through various distillation and extraction processes.
To procure 4-tert-Butylphenol, one must first identify reputable chemical suppliers that carry this compound. Once a supplier is identified, the compound can be purchased in bulk quantities and transported in sealed containers to prevent contamination or evaporation. Proper safety precautions must be taken during transportation to ensure the integrity of the compound.
During transportation, it is essential to follow proper labeling and packaging regulations to comply with safety standards. 4-tert-Butylphenol should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and incompatible chemicals to prevent degradation or reactions. It is crucial to have the necessary handling procedures in place to prevent accidents or spills during transportation and storage.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations for 4-tert-Butylphenol:
4-tert-Butylphenol should be handled with care due to its potential hazards. The primary safety consideration for this chemical is its toxicity if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It is also important to avoid contact with the eyes and skin, as it can cause irritation and burns.
In addition, 4-tert-Butylphenol should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents. It is essential to use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling this chemical, including gloves, goggles, and a lab coat. Proper ventilation is also necessary to prevent the build-up of potentially harmful vapors.
Overall, the safety considerations for 4-tert-Butylphenol emphasize the importance of proper handling, storage, and personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of exposure and potential harm to individuals working with this chemical.
Hazard Statements for 4-tert-Butylphenol:
The hazard statements for 4-tert-Butylphenol include “Harmful if swallowed,” “Causes skin irritation,” and “Causes serious eye irritation.” This chemical is also classified as harmful if inhaled and may cause respiratory irritation.
Furthermore, 4-tert-Butylphenol is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. It is important to avoid releasing this chemical into the environment to prevent harm to aquatic ecosystems. Overall, the hazard statements for 4-tert-Butylphenol outline the potential risks associated with exposure to this chemical and the importance of proper handling to minimize these hazards.
Precautionary Statements for 4-tert-Butylphenol:
The precautionary statements for 4-tert-Butylphenol include “Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray,” “Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection,” and “IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do – continue rinsing.”
Additionally, it is recommended to store 4-tert-Butylphenol in a well-ventilated place and keep container tightly closed. This chemical should be kept out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure. The precautionary statements for 4-tert-Butylphenol highlight the necessary safety measures to take when working with this chemical to minimize the risk of harm to individuals and the environment.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 4-tert-Butylphenol is its environmental fate and behavior, particularly its persistence and mobility in various ecosystems. Understanding the degradation pathways and effects on microbial communities could provide valuable insights for environmental risk assessment.
Another promising research avenue is the investigation of 4-tert-Butylphenol’s potential as an anti-corrosion agent in industry. By exploring its effectiveness in protecting metal surfaces from degradation, researchers could develop more sustainable and efficient corrosion prevention strategies.
Moreover, the toxicological profile of 4-tert-Butylphenol is still not fully elucidated. Further studies on its potential health effects, including its activity as an endocrine disruptor, could contribute to a better understanding of its safety for human and environmental health.
Lastly, exploring the synthesis and derivatization of 4-tert-Butylphenol could lead to the development of novel materials with unique properties. By modifying its chemical structure, researchers could tune its properties for various applications in fields such as biomedicine, materials science, and catalysis.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 4-tert-Butylphenol is 4-tert-Amylphenol. This compound shares the same molecular structure as 4-tert-Butylphenol but with an additional carbon atom in the alkyl side chain, resulting in slightly different physical and chemical properties.
Another similar compound is 4-tert-Hexylphenol. Like 4-tert-Butylphenol, this compound features a phenol ring with a tert-butyl group attached to it. However, in 4-tert-Hexylphenol, the alkyl group is slightly longer, consisting of six carbon atoms instead of four.
Similarly, 4-tert-Octylphenol is a compound closely related to 4-tert-Butylphenol. In this compound, the tert-butyl group is replaced with an octyl group, which consists of eight carbon atoms. This substitution results in a compound with different physical and chemical properties compared to 4-tert-Butylphenol.
