2-Cresol

    • Product Name: 2-Cresol
    • Alias: meta-Cresol
    • Einecs: 202-434-1
    • Mininmum Order: 1 g
    • Factroy Site: Yudu County, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
    • Price Inquiry: admin@ascent-chem.com
    • Manufacturer: Ascent Petrochem Holdings Co., Limited
    • CONTACT NOW
    Specifications

    HS Code

    262875

    Chemical Name 2-Cresol
    Cas Number 95-48-7
    Molecular Formula C7H8O
    Molar Mass 108.14 g/mol
    Appearance Colorless to yellowish liquid
    Odor Phenolic
    Melting Point 31–34 °C
    Boiling Point 191 °C
    Density 1.05 g/cm³ (at 20 °C)
    Solubility In Water 2.3 g/100 mL (20 °C)
    Flash Point 82 °C (closed cup)
    Pka 10.09
    Vapor Pressure 0.11 mmHg (25 °C)
    Refractive Index 1.539 (20 °C)
    Un Number 2076

    As an accredited 2-Cresol factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.

    Packing & Storage
    Packing A 500 mL amber glass bottle with a tight-sealed cap, labeled "2-Cresol," includes hazard warnings and safety instructions.
    Shipping 2-Cresol should be shipped in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials, clearly labeled with hazard warnings. It must be transported according to regulations for flammable and toxic liquids—typically UN 2076, Class 6.1. Ensure upright positioning, away from heat and incompatible substances, and provide proper ventilation during transit.
    Storage 2-Cresol should be stored in a tightly closed container, away from heat, sparks, and open flames, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep it separated from oxidizing agents, acids, and bases to prevent hazardous reactions. Containers should be clearly labeled and protected from physical damage. Store in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations for hazardous chemicals.
    Application of 2-Cresol

    Applications of 2-Cresol in Industrial Manufacturing

    We manufacture high-purity 2-Cresol to support specialized chemical production across key industrial markets. Our process control, traceability, and in-depth application know-how allow downstream partners to achieve precise performance in regulated end-use products. The following sections detail major industrial scenarios, providing accurate technical and compliance insights for each segment.

    1. Phenolic Resin Synthesis for Brake and Friction Materials

    Automotive and industrial friction materials require controlled phenolic resins for thermal stability, bonding strength, and wear resistance. 2-Cresol acts as a key phenol monomer, modifying molecular backbones and tuning glass transition temperature during resin polymerization. Downstream manufacturers incorporate 2-Cresol at calculated ratios to influence crosslink density, improving performance in high-temperature and high-load environments. Selection and dosage must precisely fit customer resin specifications to pass third-party friction and safety standards under actual usage conditions.

    Industry compliance standards

    • ISO 6312 (Friction materials—Quality control)
    • SAE J661 (Brake lining quality test procedure)
    • REACH Annex XVII (Phenol derivatives in articles)
    • IATF 16949 (Automotive QMS for friction components)

    Typical usage ratio

    • 13–24% by weight of total phenolic monomer content; precise adjustment based on target resin hardness and flow characteristics used during hot-press and curing cycles.

    Downstream process integration

    • Monomer feed stage during synthetic resin batch polymerization under alkaline catalyst, followed by blending with hexamethylenetetramine curing agent before mold pressing.

    Final product types

    • Disc brake pads
    • Industrial clutch facings
    • Railway brake shoes
    • Heavy-duty friction sheet composites

    2. Antioxidant Production for Rubber and Elastomers

    Manufacturers of industrial rubber compounds and specialty elastomer blends utilize 2-Cresol in the synthesis of certain sterically hindered phenolic antioxidants. These additives inhibit oxidative chain reactions during processing and service life, safeguarding polymers against cracking, embrittlement, or loss of mechanical properties under thermal, oxygen, and ozone stress. Sourcing stable raw material batches and maintaining precise molar ratios during synthesis directly affect antioxidant purity and downstream batch reproducibility.

    Industry compliance standards

    • ASTM D4676 (Rubber—Antioxidant chemical analysis)
    • TSCA Inventory (Approved substances for compounding)
    • EN 2002-002 (Elastomeric products – Molecular stability)
    • ISO 9001:2015 (QMS for compounding chemicals)

    Typical usage ratio

    • As a precursor: 1.1–1.3 molar equivalents per batch based on desired antioxidant output; for final antioxidant in rubber compounding: 0.2–1.5 phr (parts per hundred rubber) depending on heat aging requirements.

    Downstream process integration

    • Added at initial stage of phenolic antioxidant synthesis reactors; finished antioxidant then incorporated into rubber compounding mixers ahead of vulcanization.

    Final product types

    • Automotive tires
    • Industrial hoses and gaskets
    • Wire and cable insulation
    • Sealing rings and O-rings for chemical plants

    3. Intermediate for Agrochemical Synthesis (Herbicides)

    In the crop protection sector, agrochemical formulators employ 2-Cresol as a key intermediate in the multi-step synthesis of selective herbicides. Purity control and real-time verification are essential, since off-ratio residue can compromise herbicide efficacy or regulatory clearance. Process engineers monitor reaction completion and impurity removal closely to meet both residual solvent and active ingredient purity limits before scale-up blending and formulation.

    Industry compliance standards

    • FAO/WHO Specification guidelines for pesticide technicals
    • REACH Annex VIII (Active substance registration)
    • ISO 9001 certified process validation
    • China GB 2763.1–2019 MRLs for pesticides in food

    Typical usage ratio

    • 0.75–1.2 molar equivalents per batch; stoichiometry determined by target API conversion and by-product control in stepwise condensation and alkylation reactions.

    Downstream process integration

    • Loaded as a starting material during multi-stage synthesis of aryloxyphenoxypropionate and diphenyl ether class herbicides, prior to neutralization and purification.

    Final product types

    • Emulsifiable concentrate formulations
    • Water-dispersible granules
    • Herbicide active technical powders
    • Ready-to-spray crop protection liquids

    4. Synthesis of UV Absorbers for Polymer and Coating Industries

    The plastics and coatings sector uses 2-Cresol as a building block in the synthesis of triazine-based UV absorbers, which are critical for maintaining color and mechanical stability in outdoor and automotive polymers. During manufacturing, quality teams monitor the introduction of 2-Cresol early in the condensation and substitution reactions to produce intermediates with tight impurity profiles. The absorber’s end use dictates appropriate particle size and diluent compatibility downstream in masterbatch or liquid coating applications.

    Industry compliance standards

    • FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (Polymers for food contact)
    • EU Regulation (EC) No 10/2011 (Plastic food packaging)
    • ISO 4892-2 (Plastics—UV resistance testing)
    • RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (Restriction of hazardous substances)

    Typical usage ratio

    • As intermediate: 1.05–1.15 equivalents per batch in triazine UV absorber manufacture; for final polymer additive: 0.1–0.5% by weight, depending on substrate thickness and required outdoor durability.

    Downstream process integration

    • Introduced early in multi-step synthesis of UV absorber, followed by purification and micronization before incorporation into resin compounding or liquid coatings dispersions.

    Final product types

    • Outdoor polypropylene and polyethylene masterbatches
    • Automotive clear coat formulations
    • Plastic films for agriculture and packaging
    • Industrial and architectural UV-protective coatings

    5. API Intermediate for Pharmaceuticals: Antiseptics and Topicals

    In the pharmaceutical sector, 2-Cresol serves as a controlled intermediate for active ingredient (API) synthesis used in topical antiseptics and certain dermatological formulations. Production batches follow validated GMP-sourced workflows, with analytical controls at each stage to assure identity, limit process impurities, and meet international pharmacopoeia release specifications. Documentation and residual solvents compliance are critical due to patient contact and cross-border regulatory audits.

    Industry compliance standards

    • ICH Q7 (Good Manufacturing Practice for APIs)
    • USP/NF Monograph for Cresol (current edition)
    • European Pharmacopoeia 10.0 (Cresol-related substances)
    • 21 CFR Part 211 (US cGMP for finished pharmaceuticals)

    Typical usage ratio

    • 0.8–1.0 molar equivalents as an intermediate per API batch; final antiseptic finished product contains ≤1–3% cresol content per topical/antiseptic formulation, as specified by pharmacopeia and tolerance for dermal use.

    Downstream process integration

    • Used in early chemical synthesis step for preparation of APIs such as m-cresol-based antiseptics, followed by multi-step purification, neutralization, and compounding into final dosage forms.

    Final product types

    • Pharmaceutical ointments
    • Topical antiseptic liquids
    • Disinfectant solutions for medical instruments
    • Prescription and OTC dermatological creams

    6. Stabilizers and Preservatives in Industrial Oil Formulations

    Lubricant, hydraulic fluid, and transformer oil producers use 2-Cresol in the manufacture of phenolic stabilizers and biocidal oil additives to prevent oxidative polymerization, microbial contamination, and performance loss under extended equipment operating cycles. Downstream QC teams monitor stabilization index and microbial challenge tests, while the upstream formulation process balances cresol-derived additive concentration to avoid phase separation or color instability in finished oils.

    Industry compliance standards

    • ASTM D2274 (Oxidation stability of lubricating oils)
    • API 650 (Lubricant blending and additive compatibility)
    • ISO 6743 (Classification of lubricants)
    • U.S. EPA TSCA compliance for industrial preservatives

    Typical usage ratio

    • For stabilizer precursor synthesis: 0.95–1.05 molar equivalents per additive batch; final industrial oil products contain 0.03–0.3% by total oil volume, tailored to application severity and storage duration.

    Downstream process integration

    • Phenolic stabilizer derived from 2-Cresol prepared in batch reactors, then dosed into bulk oil blending tanks shortly before packaging or shipping.

    Final product types

    • Engine and gear lubricants
    • High-temperature hydraulic fluids
    • Electrical transformer insulating oils
    • Cutting and metalworking oils

    Free Quote

    Competitive 2-Cresol prices that fit your budget—flexible terms and customized quotes for every order.

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    Email: admin@ascent-chem.com

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    Certification & Compliance
    More Introduction

    Introducing 2-Cresol: A Closer Look from the Manufacturer’s Floor

    Direct Insights into 2-Cresol

    Years of hands-on experience on the production floor have shaped our knowledge of 2-Cresol—a clear-to-yellowish aromatic compound that carries a sharp phenolic scent. Our team doesn’t just manufacture 2-Cresol for a checklist of industries; we’ve seen the transformation it brings to the chemical chain from raw feedstock to the finished specialty. Every drum or bulk shipment leaving our facility represents a batch produced under rigorous quality standards—a fact we prove with every third-party assay and our own in-house controls.

    The technical name for 2-Cresol is ortho-cresol or 2-methylphenol. Its model number in our inventory reflects this—simply 2-Cresol (CAS 95-48-7). Our typical batches range in purity from 99% to 99.5%, supported by distillation cut techniques that efficiently reduce contaminants such as phenol or other cresols. Water content stays below 0.1% by rigorous moisture control procedures. Color specification (Hazen) runs under 20, indicating a clean product that won’t introduce unwanted shades into your formulation.

    Our Experience with 2-Cresol Applications

    Over years refining this process, we’ve watched where 2-Cresol goes and what it does: resin plants, antiseptic formulations, plasticizer synthesis, dye intermediates, and pharmaceuticals. Some customers hold it up as a core intermediate for producing herbicides, especially MCPA and mecoprop. In others’ hands, 2-Cresol finds its way into the heart of disinfectants and wood preservatives. This versatility keeps demand stable, whether the downcycle squeezes margins or upswings stretch our output.

    Few intermediates serve as many industries as 2-Cresol. During a run for a specialty resin manufacturer, we learned that 2-Cresol’s distinct ortho configuration makes it a preferred raw material for certain methylphenolic resins. It produces a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility in the finished resin—an edge over para- or meta-cresol that crafts rely upon for consistency in molding and casting applications. In contrast, one pharmaceutical partner specified 2-Cresol for its predictable reactivity in alkylation processes, a property that stems from the ortho configuration of the methyl group next to the phenolic hydroxyl.

    The Science that Guides Us

    2-Cresol, C7H8O, boils around 191°C, melting near 31°C, and readily mixes with organics—alcohol, ether, and chloroform—but shows limited water solubility. These features steer its use: resins and plasticizers demand good organic compatibility, while water-based industries typically turn to other cresols. We’ve tested hundreds of batches and can vouch that each small shift in the impurity profile (like higher phenol leftovers) often disrupts downstream polymerization. That’s why it pays to source 2-Cresol directly from a producer who has tuned conditions and distillation to yield low residuals batch after batch.

    Our bulk customers have sometimes requested customized fractions—tighter cut points or cleaner isolation from meta- and para-cresol. The feedback we provide helps optimize downstream reactions and troubleshooting. The heating curves and GC-mass spectra on our lab’s wall aren’t decorations—they chart every process improvement, and our in-house chemists know when a sample needs rework long before it moves from tank to tank. This is not the sort of product that leaves much room for guesswork in margin-sensitive production lines.

    Setting 2-Cresol Apart from Siblings and Alternatives

    The cresol family—ortho-, meta-, and para-isomers—all share a methylphenol backbone, yet actions and reactivities diverge in industry. Meta-cresol holds value in antioxidants and fragrance chemistry, while para-cresol features prominently in high-end plastic additives and lubricants. 2-Cresol, with its ortho substitution, stakes its claim in resin chemistry and pesticide intermediates where steric effects are critical. We consistently remind procurement teams: an isomer swap isn’t just paperwork, it shapes your yield, color, and product safety profile. Minor impurities or isomeric contamination can set back entire productions, as the wrong cresol can interact unpredictably during condensation or alkylation.

    Chemists in phenolic resin production have told us that switching from ortho- to para-cresol alters everything from softening point to water resistance. In certain high-performance adhesives or carbon brake pad binders, customers expect the unique features that only 2-Cresol-based resins provide. We keep a close ear to customers who’ve faced issues from cross-contamination—one instance, a small trace of meta-cresol in a 2-Cresol stream derailed a week’s polymerization work until the source was tracked down. We have dedicated fractionation and onsite QA to avoid such waste and downtime for our clients.

    Production Challenges and Quality Measures

    It’s not easy isolating 2-Cresol at high purity, considering all three cresols naturally coexist in tar, petroleum distillates, or synthetic routes. Our process starts with precise controlled alkylation and follows with multi-stage distillation under inert atmosphere, locking out water to suppress hydrolysis or phenol side formation. Over the years, dozens of process tweaks came from direct observation—such as integrating trace nitrogen purges, or swapping out condensation materials in storage tanks to avoid product yellowing.

    On average, it takes about five hours from reaction to the first distillation cut, and sample verification happens at three points. We retain every lot sample for reference—this isn’t just tradition, it backs up every technical claim we make when inspectors or partners request traceability. Previous projects, such as scaling up for block copolymer customers, required us to design sampling loops that catch every anomaly before a tank is certified finished. Our QC lab runs not only purity tests but simulated downstream reactions—if a batch can’t pass a phenolic resin synthesis simulation, it won’t clear for dispatch.

    Where 2-Cresol Brings the Most Value

    Pesticide makers routinely highlight 2-Cresol’s role in crafting precursors for selective herbicides. Its predictable reaction signature matters for minimizing unwanted byproducts, which can trip up formulation and storage stability down the line. In fact, product recalls have hinged on the wrong choice or the poor quality of cresol intermediates, especially in ag-chem drums destined for overseas blending. For those in polymer chemistry, it often underpins novolac-type resin production—customers drive batch sizes from several hundred to tens of thousands of kilos per campaign, depending on resin applications ranging from electrical laminates to friction materials.

    On the antimicrobial side, medical and disinfectant suppliers appreciate the balanced blend of potency, volatility, and stability compared to other phenolics. 2-Cresol does not just deliver biocidal power; it resists rapid volatilization, supporting long shelf-life disinfection. In our experience, stricter regulations on phenolic content in consumer disinfectants have forced tighter manufacturing tolerances, prompting our investments in better fractionation and analytical detection to ensure our 2-Cresol can stand up to scrutiny.

    Environmental and Safety Considerations from a Manufacturer’s Angle

    It’s important to address what doesn’t leave the plant along with what does. 2-Cresol, being a volatile organic and moderately toxic, demands careful handling. Our workers rely on closed systems, scrubber-equipped ventilation, and ongoing safety training. From tank car to drum filling, every batch follows a containment philosophy. Waste streams undergo phenolic oxidation and absorption, not just to comply with regulations, but to protect workers and meet community expectations. These aren’t optional extras—they come from lessons learned, including near-misses and unplanned shutdowns that drive procedural improvement.

    Over time, as environmental controls grew more stringent, we updated our effluent treatment protocols. Unexpected emissions or wastewater phenolics can trigger shutdowns or worse, as seen during past audit cycles. The design of our storage tanks and transfer lines takes cues from dozens of root-cause investigations throughout the industry—using nitrogen blanketing to suppress vapor losses and stainless lines to prevent corrosion-driven leaks. Customers have asked detailed questions about these protocols, as end-user certifications now often demand documented controls from raw material source all the way to final formulation.

    Supply Chain Experience: Risks and Solutions

    In years where upstream feedstock shortages hit or shipping lanes bottleneck, transparent lines of communication with both suppliers and customers make the difference. During a recent phenol supply crunch, we prioritized communication, working closely with resin and herbicide makers to forecast needs and balance inventory draws. That builds trust and avoids downstream plant stoppages. End-users who tap directly into our documentation benefit from reconciled chain-of-custody reports and container-based sampling records.

    Direct producer engagement removes much of the guesswork for technical teams. In cases where unusual color or odor arises, we work side-by-side with downstream labs to review GC-MS profiles. Fast communication and technical troubleshooting set direct manufacturers apart from the dealers who can’t access real-time process data or pull a batch sample at a moment’s notice. This direct link translates into lower recall rates and reduced non-conformance incidents for our partners.

    Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing

    We have come to see every product as a work in progress—2-Cresol included. Over the years, close work with global partners has drawn us toward cleaner, more energy-efficient production lines. Past process hazards—like unpredictable exotherms or distillation overflows—get replaced by digital controls and improved batch monitoring. These tools catch out-of-spec vapor flows before they build into a safety concern. Our investment in real-time chromatography doesn’t just pay off in speed; it cuts down on scrap and reflects in the product consistency batch after batch.

    Outside audits, customer visits, and even rejected samples help shape upgrades. One customer’s request for an even lower chlorinated compound threshold saw us rework our upstream sources and add extra distillation, achieving tighter specs within a single quarter. This direct technical push-and-pull with end users accelerates innovation and guarantees both product quality and dependability.

    Future Directions and Industry Trends

    Global appetite for 2-Cresol traces current trends in pesticides, resins, and antimicrobial chemistry, but new uses continue to pop up in specialty polymers and electronics. Over the last several years, we’ve fielded more requests tied to advanced adhesives, lithium-ion battery binders, and even high-temperature lubricants. As technical expectations rise, especially purity and trace-element demands, we keep developing new purification protocols, pilot-distillation runs, and even electrochemical treatment routes. The close relationship with technical teams across industries shapes our own process-improvement lists—from reducing residual sulfur to tracking down odor-causing aldehydes at the ppm level.

    There’s no substitute for experience: real-time, hands-on adjustments drive progress. Every day on the plant floor brings new challenges—unexpected fouling in the distillation column, subtle shifts in feedstock from upstream, or nuances in color and odor that don’t always show in a standard assay. We log every outlier so our next batch runs smoother. For customers who value fast troubleshooting, full traceability, and frank technical answers, sourcing 2-Cresol direct from a committed manufacturer continues to pay back in more than just product specs.

    Your Partner in 2-Cresol Supply

    To everyone from established resin houses to up-and-coming disinfectant formulators: drawing on years of practical experience, we approach every order not as another item to fulfill, but a technical partnership. Our team tracks not just global regulatory changes and market shifts, but every bit of plant feedback, every spot check, and every batch record. We believe the best 2-Cresol comes from tight process control, relentless sample verification, and direct engagement between the manufacturer and the industry that shapes product demand.

    2-Cresol is not a commodity for us—it is a reflection of both tradition and technical advancement. Our door stays open to partners with new technical needs, stricter regulatory demands, or ideas to push both purity and performance further. Decades at the bench and in the control room matter, and our product tells that story in every lot number and delivery.

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