[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, mixed cresol prices

1. mixed cresol properties

Mixed cresol, also known as mixed cresol, is a mixture of phenols containing different methyl substitution positions, mainly including o-cresol, m-cresol and p-cresol. Mixed cresol is a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, with a strong phenolic odor, and shows typical characteristics of phenolic compounds in chemical properties. Its molecular formula is C7H8O, its molecular weight is 108.14g/mol, its melting point is between 11-32 ° C., and its boiling point is between 190-200 ° C. It has good solubility, and is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, but insoluble in water. Mixed cresol has strong acidity and can react with alkali to form salts.

2. mixed cresol use

Mixed cresol has a wide range of uses in industrial production, mainly used in the following aspects:

1. Chemical raw materials

Mixed cresol is an important raw material for the production of a variety of chemical products. For example, in the synthesis of pesticides, mixed cresols can be used to prepare fungicides and herbicides. In the resin industry, mixed cresol is one of the main raw materials of phenolic resin, which is used to manufacture various industrial adhesives and coatings. Mixed cresols can also be used to produce chemicals such as antioxidants, plasticizers and preservatives.

2. Pharmaceutical industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, mixed cresol is used to synthesize some important pharmaceutical intermediates. For example, cresol can be used to produce antipyretic and analgesic drugs such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), as well as other antibacterial drugs and vitamins.

3. Disinfection and antisepsis

Because mixed cresol has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it is widely used in medical and public health fields. Mixed cresols are used as disinfectants, especially in hospitals, laboratories and food processing industries, for cleaning and disinfecting equipment, utensils and working environments.

3. mixed cresol upstream and downstream raw materials

1. Upstream raw materials

The production of mixed cresol mainly depends on several basic raw materials and processes. The main upstream feedstocks include toluene and phenol. Toluene is methylated to produce cresol, and phenol is an important component of mixed cresol. The price and supply of toluene and phenol directly affect the production cost and market price of mixed cresol.

2. Downstream products

As an important intermediate, mixed cresol is widely used in the production of downstream products. Downstream products mainly include pesticides, drugs, phenolic resins, plastic additives, antioxidants, etc. These downstream products have important market demand in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and other fields, and their market demand in turn affects the production and supply of mixed cresol.

4. mixed cresol production process

1. Toluene hydroxylation

A common method of mixed cresol production is the toluene hydroxylation reaction. This process is usually carried out in the presence of acidic catalysts (such as sulfuric acid, aluminum chloride, etc.), and toluene reacts with oxygen to form mixed cresol. This method has high selectivity and yield, but requires strict control of reaction conditions to avoid the formation of by-products.

2. Phenol Methylation

Another method of producing mixed cresols is phenol methylation. Under certain catalytic conditions, phenol reacts with methanol or methylating agent (such as methyl chloride) to generate mixed cresol. This method has the advantages of mild reaction conditions and high product purity, but it also requires precise control of the amount of catalyst and reaction time.

5. mixed cresol storage method

Mixed cresol has high chemical activity and corrosion, so its storage requires special attention to the following points:

1. Storage environment

Mixed cresol should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment. The temperature of the warehouse should be controlled between 20-25°C, and the relative humidity should be maintained between 50-70%. The storage area shall be equipped with fire prevention facilities and appropriate fire extinguishing equipment.

2. Container Requirements

Mixed cresol should be stored in a closed corrosion-resistant container, commonly used storage containers include stainless steel barrels, glass bottles, etc. The container shall be marked with warning signs such as "flammable" and "toxic" to avoid misoperation and accidental contact.

3. Safety measures

Wear protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and protective clothing during storage and handling of cresol. Operators shall receive relevant safety training and be familiar with emergency treatment measures. Emergency spraying equipment and eyewash devices shall be provided in the warehouse to deal with accidents in time.

6. conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, mixed cresol is widely used in many fields. Its production relies on upstream feedstocks such as toluene and phenol, while the demand for downstream products drives its market development. Due to the toxicity and corrosiveness of mixed cresol, strict safety measures must be taken during storage. In the future, with the continuous progress of chemical technology and the increase of market demand, the application prospect of mixed cresol will be broader.