CAS 108-39-4: m-Cresol

Cresols and their salts

m-Cresol is employed in the preparation of synthetic resins like phenol-formaldehyde resins, disinfectants, and photographic developers. It is used as industrial solvent for dissolving polymers such as polyaniline. It acts as a precursor to vitamin E and antiseptic amylmetacresol. It is used as insuline preservatives. This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Acros Organics product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Acros Organics product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.

m-Cresol is a chemical compound that belongs to the group of phenols. It is used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as trifluoroacetic acid, and is a precursor for the synthesis of various drugs, dyes, and pesticides. m-Cresol has been shown to have a bactericidal effect against infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and syphilis. This compound also exhibits toxicity in humans when ingested or inhaled. The mechanism by which m-cresol exerts its toxic effects on human cells is not completely understood; however it may be due to its ability to bind with proteins and prevent their function. Investigations into the reaction mechanism show that m-cresol reacts with metal hydroxides at high temperatures to produce intramolecular hydrogen gas. This reaction can be achieved at lower temperatures by using trifluoroacetic acid as a catalyst or by heating in the presence of water vapour. The reaction solution turns yellow