Cresylic Acids

Name:
Cresylic Acids
Detailed information:
Commercial mixtures of phenolic materials boiling above the cresol range. An arbitrary standard in use for cresylic acids is that 50% must boil above 204 C. If the boiling point is less than 204 C, the material is called cresol. Cresylic acid varies widely according to its source and boiling range. A typical commercial cut, bp 220–250 C, has the composition m- and p-cresols 0–1%; 2,4- and 2,5-xylenols 0–3%; 2,3- and 3,5-xylenols 10–20%; 3,4-xylenol 20–30%; and C₉phenols 50–60%. Excellent electrical insulators.

Derivation:

Petroleum, coal tar. Imported cresylic acid is derived from coal tar (gasworks), also made synthetically.

Hazard:

Corrosive to skin, absorbed via skin.

Use:

Phosphate esters, phenolic resins, wire enamel solvent, plasticizers, gasoline additives, laminates, coating for magnet wire for small electric motors. Disinfectants, metal-cleaning compounds, phenolic resins, flotation agents, surfactants, chemical intermediates, oil additives, solvent refining of lubricating oils, scouring compounds, pesticides.