2,3-dimethylphenol

Chemical properties

brown crystalline solid. Slightly soluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents and alkali solutions.

The Uses of 2,3-dimethylphenol

2,3-Dimethylphenol is used for organic synthesis. It is used as the hardener to produce industrial furane, the raw material of producing xylenol specialized product and the assistant of the main raw material of detergent.

Preparation

2,3-Dimethylphenol is obtained by diazotization and hydrolysis of 2,3-xylidine.

General Description

2,3-dimethylphenol appears as colorless crystalline solid or brown chunky solid. Taste threshold concentration 0.03 mg/L. Odor threshold concentration 0.5 mg/L. (NTP, 1992)

Air & Water Reactions

Hygroscopic. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Solutions of 1-Hydroxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene in water, DMSO, 95% ethanol or acetone should be stable for 24 hours under normal lab conditions. 1-Hydroxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene is incompatible with bases, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, and oxidizing agents. 1-Hydroxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene corrodes steel, brass, copper, and copper alloys.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for 1-Hydroxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene are not available. 1-Hydroxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene is probably combustible.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Poison bj 7 intravenous . route. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also other xylenol entries.

Purification Methods

Crystallise 2,3-xylenol from aqueous EtOH. [Beilstein 6 IV 3096.]