Agent Name | m-Cresol |
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Alternative Name | 3-Methylphenol |
CAS Number | 108-39-4 |
Formula | C7-H8-O |
Major Category | Other Classes |
Synonyms | 1-Hydroxy-3-methylbenzene; 1-Methyl-3-hydroxybenzene; 3-Cresol; 3-Hydroxytoluene; 3-Methylphenol; Bacticin; Celcure Dry Mix (chemicals for wood preserving); Franklin Cresolis; Metacresol; Rover's Dog Shampoo; m-Cresylic acid; m-Hydroxytoluene; m-Kresol [German]; m-Methylphenol; m-Oxytoluene; m-Toluol; meta-Cresol; Cresol, m-; Cresol, m-isomer; Phenol, 3-methyl-; [ChemIDplus] m-Cresole; m-Cresylic; meta-Cresylic acid; Hydroxy-3-methylbenzene; 3-Methyl-1-hydroxybenzene; m-Methylphenylol; [HSDB] UN2076 |
Category | Phenols |
Description | Colorless or yellowish liquid with a phenolic odor; mp = 11-12 deg C; [Merck Index] Hygroscopic; [CAMEO] |
Sources/Uses | Used to make synthetic resins; Also used in disinfectants, photographic developers, explosives, fungicides, and as an industrial solvent; [Merck Index] Used in combination with 2,4-xylenol (CAS# 105-67-9) as a bactericide/bacteriostat for the control of crown gall, olive knot, and burr knot in fruit, nut, and ornamental trees and vines; [EPA REDs] Used as flavoring agent or adjuvant; [FDA] Used in ore flotation, fumigation compounds, degreasing compounds, paintbrush cleaners, lubricating oils, as a wood preservative, engine and metal cleaner, and in the textile industry; [NTP] Naturally occurring in many plants, petroleum, and, coal tar, as well as emissions from the combustion of wastes, coal, wood, vehicles, and cigarettes; Used primarily as an intermediate for synthetic vitamin E, pesticides, fragrances, antioxidants, disinfectants, and preservatives; Used as a pharmaceutical bactericide and preservative; Uses for all cresol isomers include as preservatives or stabilizers in cleaning/washing agents, surface treatment products, paints, adhesives, binding agents, corrosion inhibitors, and impregnation materials; [Reference #2] |
Comments | Causes burns; Inhalation may cause pulmonary edema; Exposure may cause CNS depression and hemolytic anemia; Can be absorbed through skin; [ICSC] May cause second degree burns after a few minutes contact; May cause liver and kidney injury; [CHRIS] Least toxic of the three cresol isomers; May cause skin sensitization; [HSDB] No evidence of skin sensitization in limited studies of humans and guinea pigs using p-cresol and m-/p-cresol; A survey reports hypersensitivity reactions of certain individuals to cresol (unspecified isomer); Neither isomer produced mortality or clinical signs of toxicity following exposure to saturated vapor concentrations, although inhalation of aerosols may be fatal; [Reference #2] Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] Causes burns; Inhalation may cause corrosive injuries to upper respiratory tract and lungs; Toxic by ingestion and skin absorption; Targets the CNS, lungs, liver, kidney, and eyes; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS] See "Cresol, all isomers." |
Reference Link | |
Exposure Assessment | |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) | Yes |
TLV (ACGIH) | 20 mg/m3, inhalable fraction and vapor |
PEL (OSHA) | 22 mg/m3 |
Vapor Pressure | 0.11 mm Hg |
Odor Threshold Low | 5 mg/m3 |
Lethal Concentration | LC50 (rat) > 710 mg/m3/1hr |
Explanatory Notes | Odor threshold from NTP; The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Cresols." |
Reference Link | |
Flammability (NFPA) | |
Adverse Effects | |
Toxic Pneumonitis | Yes |
Hepatotoxin | Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
Dermatotoxin | Skin Burns |
ACGIH Carcinogen | Not Classifiable |
Links to Other NLM Databases | |
Health Studies | Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: |
Toxicity Information | |
Chemical Information | |
Related Information in HazMap | |
Processes | Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: |