METHYLCRESOL Meaning and
Definition
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Methylcresol, also known as toluene cresol or o-cresol, is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of cresols. It is formed by the addition of a methyl group (-CH3) to the ortho position of the phenol molecule. Methylcresol is derived from toluene by the process of methylation.
As a phenolic compound, methylcresol exhibits a colorless to pale yellow appearance and possesses a pleasant, sweet odor. It is soluble in organic solvents like ethanol, ether, and benzene but shows limited solubility in water. Methylcresol has various isomeric forms, out of which o-cresol is the most common and widely studied one.
Methylcresol finds application in several industries including chemical synthesis, pharmaceuticals, and as an intermediate in the production of resins, polymers, and antioxidants. It is widely used as an antiseptic and disinfectant due to its antimicrobial properties. Additionally, methylcresol is employed as a flavoring agent in the food industry, especially for beverages, baked goods, and sweets, providing a savory aroma and taste.
However, it is important to handle methylcresol with caution, as it can be toxic upon ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Its acute toxicity effects include irritation and damage to the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Therefore, appropriate safety measures and protective equipment should be used when working with methylcresol to minimize potential health risks.
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A cresol derived from creosote.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for METHYLCRESOL
- nethylcresol
- kethylcresol
- jethylcresol
- mwthylcresol
- msthylcresol
- mdthylcresol
- mrthylcresol
- m4thylcresol
- m3thylcresol
- merhylcresol
- mefhylcresol
- meghylcresol
- meyhylcresol
- me6hylcresol
- me5hylcresol
- metgylcresol
- metbylcresol
- metnylcresol
- metjylcresol
- metuylcresol
Etymology of METHYLCRESOL
The word "methylcresol" is derived from the combination of the terms "methyl" and "cresol".
- "Methyl": It is derived from the French word "méthylène", which originated from the Greek word "methy" meaning "wine". The term "methyl" was first coined in the mid-19th century by chemists to refer to a radical derived from methane - a hydrocarbon compound.
- "Cresol": This term is derived from the Latin word "crescere", which means "to grow". It refers to a class of organic compounds that were initially extracted from the tar of coal or other fossil fuels. Cresols are aromatic compounds with a mildly sweet odor.
