4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol is a chemical compound that has various applications in everyday life. It is commonly used as an ingredient in household cleaning products, personal care items such as soaps and deodorants, and medical disinfectants. Due to its antimicrobial properties, 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol plays a crucial role in maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses in our daily lives. Its presence in these products helps ensure a clean and healthy living environment for consumers.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol, also known as butylated chlorophenol, has various commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as an additive in lubricants, paints, and solvents due to its antimicrobial properties. Additionally, it is utilized in the production of disinfectants and preservatives for skincare products.
In terms of drug and medication applications, 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol has been studied for its potential antitumor and antioxidant properties. It has shown promising results in assisting in the treatment of certain types of cancer and is being further researched for its potential therapeutic benefits. However, more clinical studies are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in a medical setting.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol is a white crystalline solid with a characteristic odor that is often described as phenolic and medicinal.
The molar mass of 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol is approximately 182.20 g/mol, and it has a density of around 1.08 g/cm³. In comparison to common food items, the molar mass is higher than that of sugar (180.16 g/mol) but lower than that of salt (58.44 g/mol), and the density is lower than that of water (1.00 g/cm³).
The melting point of 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol is approximately 76-78 °C, while the boiling point is around 270-271 °C. In comparison to common food items, the melting point is higher than that of butter (32-35 °C) but lower than that of chocolate (approximately 32-34 °C), and the boiling point is higher than that of water (100 °C).
4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol is sparingly soluble in water, and it exhibits a low viscosity. In comparison to common food items, it is less soluble in water than salt but more soluble than oil, and its viscosity is higher than that of water but lower than that of honey.
🏭 Production & Procurement
4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol is typically produced through a Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction between p-tert-butylphenol and a chlorinating reagent such as thionyl chloride or phosphorous trichloride. This reaction results in the substitution of a hydrogen atom on the phenol ring with a chlorine atom, yielding 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol.
In order to procure 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol, one must either synthesize it in a laboratory setting following the aforementioned procedure, or purchase it from a chemical supplier. Due to its hazardous nature, transportation of 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol must adhere to strict safety regulations and guidelines set forth by the Department of Transportation.
When transporting 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol, it is crucial to ensure that the substance is properly labeled, packaged, and transported in accordance with regulatory requirements. Proper documentation must be maintained throughout the transportation process to guarantee the safe handling and delivery of the compound to its intended destination.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol, commonly known as Butylated chlorophenol, include its potential to cause skin and eye irritation upon direct contact. It is also considered harmful if swallowed or inhaled, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress. Proper personal protective equipment should be worn when handling this compound to minimize the risk of exposure.
Hazard statements for 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol include its classification as harmful if swallowed, causing skin and eye irritation, and being toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. It is also labeled as a potential environmental hazard, indicating the need for caution when using and disposing of this chemical to prevent harm to the surrounding ecosystem.
Precautionary statements for 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol recommend wearing protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection when handling the compound. It is advised to avoid release into the environment and to dispose of it properly in accordance with local regulations. In case of accidental exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought, and the affected area should be washed thoroughly with water.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol involves exploring its environmental fate and behavior, particularly in water and soil systems. This could entail investigating its persistence, degradation pathways, and potential for bioaccumulation in various environmental compartments.
Another avenue of study could focus on the toxicity and potential health effects of 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol. This may involve determining its acute and chronic toxicity to different organisms, as well as assessing its potential to cause adverse effects on human health through exposure via various routes.
Further research could delve into the synthesis and properties of derivatives of 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol. This could involve developing new synthetic routes to produce analogs with altered chemical properties, as well as investigating their potential applications in various industries such as pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals.
Lastly, investigations into the potential use of 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol as a precursor in the synthesis of novel materials could be a promising research direction. This could involve exploring its reactivity towards different functional groups and investigating its potential as a building block for the development of advanced materials with unique properties and applications.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol with a comparable molecular structure is 4-tert-Butyl-2-methylphenol. This compound also contains a tert-butyl group and a hydroxyl group, but has a methyl group in place of the chlorine atom. The structural similarity between these two compounds lies in the presence of the tert-butyl group and hydroxyl group attached to the aromatic ring.
Another compound sharing a structural resemblance to 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol is 4-tert-Butylphenol. This compound contains a tert-butyl group attached to the phenol ring, but lacks the chlorine atom present in 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol. The similarity between these compounds lies in the presence of the tert-butyl group, which imparts similar physical and chemical properties to both molecules.
Additionally, another compound with a molecular structure akin to 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol is 2-chlorophenol. This compound contains a chlorine atom attached directly to the phenol ring, but lacks the tert-butyl group present in 4-tert-Butyl-2-chlorophenol. Despite this difference, the presence of the chlorine atom on the phenol ring provides a similarity between these two compounds in terms of reactivity and potential chemical applications.
