Overview
4-Chlorophenol is a chlorinated derivative of phenol with significant industrial importance. As a white crystalline solid with a characteristic phenolic odor, it serves as a versatile building block in organic synthesis. The compound is classified as a monochlorophenol, where the chlorine atom occupies the para position on the benzene ring, giving it distinct chemical reactivity compared to its ortho and meta isomers. Industrial production typically involves the chlorination of phenol using chlorine gas or sulfuryl chloride, followed by purification processes. The global market for 4-chlorophenol is driven by its demand in agrochemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly in Asia-Pacific regions where specialty chemical production is concentrated.
Physical and Chemical Properties
4-Chlorophenol exhibits typical phenol characteristics with enhanced properties due to chlorine substitution. Its melting point of 42-44°C makes it solid at room temperature but easily melted for liquid-phase reactions. The chlorine substituent increases the compound's lipophilicity compared to phenol, reflected in its water solubility of approximately 27 g/L at 20°C, which is lower than phenol's but sufficient for aqueous applications. The pKa of 4-chlorophenol is approximately 9.4, making it a weaker acid than phenol (pKa 9.99) due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the chlorine atom. This property affects its behavior in chemical reactions and its partitioning in environmental systems. The compound shows moderate volatility with a vapor pressure of 0.13 mmHg at 25°C, requiring precautions against inhalation exposure in industrial settings.
Main Applications
In the pharmaceutical industry, 4-chlorophenol serves as a key intermediate for synthesizing chloramphenicol antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. Its reactive phenolic hydroxyl group allows for etherification or esterification, while the aromatic chlorine can participate in nucleophilic substitution reactions. The agrochemical sector utilizes it in producing herbicides like 2,4-D and fungicides where the chlorophenol moiety provides bioactive properties. Additional applications include dye manufacturing, where it helps create azo dyes and other colorants, and as a preservative in industrial formulations. Some specialty applications leverage its disinfectant properties in controlled-use scenarios, though regulatory restrictions apply due to environmental concerns. Recent research explores its potential in polymer modification and as a precursor for advanced materials.
Safety and Storage
As a chlorinated phenol, 4-chlorophenol requires careful handling per OSHA and EPA regulations. Personal protective equipment (PPE) including nitrile gloves, chemical goggles, and respirators with organic vapor cartridges should be used when handling the solid or concentrated solutions. The compound is classified as harmful if swallowed (H302), causes skin irritation (H315), and is toxic to aquatic life (H411). Storage should be in tightly sealed containers made of stainless steel or phenolic resin-lined steel, away from oxidizers and strong bases. Secondary containment is recommended to prevent environmental contamination. Shelf life typically exceeds two years when stored below 30°C with protection from moisture. Spill management requires absorption with inert material and disposal as hazardous waste following local regulations.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should specify technical grade (typically 98-99% purity) or higher grades for sensitive applications. Common packaging includes 25kg fiber drums with polyethylene liners or bulk containers for large-scale users. Key quality parameters to verify include melting point range, chlorine content, and absence of di- and tri-chlorophenol impurities. Supply chain considerations include evaluating supplier capabilities for consistent quality and regulatory documentation (SDS, COA). Asian manufacturers often offer competitive pricing, while European suppliers may provide higher purity grades. Lead times vary from 2-6 weeks depending on location and quantity. Some buyers opt for long-term contracts to mitigate price volatility in the chlorophenol market.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：聚乙二醇、聚丙二醇、叔胺、伯胺、染料中间体
- 主营：苄基三甲基氯化铵、聚苯胺、脯氨酸甲酯盐酸盐
- 主营：黄丹粉、柠檬酸、导热油、氯化钙、漂白粉、707乳液、氧化铝、木质素、防腐剂、除锈剂、防锈剂、酒石酸、抗氧剂、松香工业、碳酸氢铵、醋酸铅、碳酸铅
- 主营：增塑剂、草酸镍、阻燃剂、1-二十烯、栀子蓝、抗氧剂、偶联剂、异壬酸、间氟溴苄、异胞嘧啶、磷酸三钾、油墨油剂、洗涤助剂、苯磺酸钠、单体香料、环磺酮酸、分散染料、无机颜料、苹果酸镁、表面处理剂、丙二醇甲醚、化妆品原料、丁酸甘油酯、硅烷处理剂、表面活性剂
- 主营：氨水、涂料染料、苯酚、次氯酸钠、氯化亚砜、乙醇、聚酯树脂、工业级分析试剂、酒精、95乙醇、顺酐、苯酐、二甲基亚砜、工业红糖、漂白粉、乙二醇、戊二醛、苯并三氮唑、二甲基乙醇胺、甲醛阻聚剂、硫化铵、精对苯二甲酸、顺丁烯二酸酐、环己醇、二乙二醇丁醚
- 主营：离子液体、咪唑、催化剂、5-二甲基吡唑、阻燃剂、正丁醇锆、四氟硼酸锂、香兰基丁醚、氟化物、全氟辛基三甲氧基硅烷、丙酮肟、双酚E型氰酸酯、叔丁基乙烯基醚、钯碳催化剂、钛硅分子筛、硫酸烟酰苯胺、丙酮缩氨基硫脲
- 主营：有机化学原料、化学试剂、催化剂、氯二苯甲酮、化妆品原料、各种溶剂、阻聚剂、水处理药剂
- 主营：漂白粉、茶皂素、噻霉酮、次氯酸钠、浮选油、草酸铵、戊二醛、苯甲醇、磺化油、漂粉精、氟化钠、三甘醇、碳酸钙、白僵菌、松醇油、碳酸钡、黄糊精、雷米邦a、号全精炼、杀菌剂bit、三乙醇胺、牛骨发酵、快干水泥、多聚甲醛、羟基乙叉
- 主营：福美钠
- 主营：乙二醇、油酸丁酯、防腐涂料、丙烯酸环氧、缩水甘油酯、金属防锈剂、工业清洗剂、石油磺酸钡、甲基吡咯烷酮、液体丁腈橡胶、戊二酸二甲酯、橡胶制品改性剂、注浆堵漏泡花碱
- 主营：定香剂、氧化铅、浮选油、氯偏乳液、氧化铋、氟化铝、氟化镁、洗涤剂、异丙醇、漂粉精、漂白粉、白僵菌、乙酸钡、氟化钙、水杨酸、松醇油、碳酸钡、醋酸钡、95福美钠、苯丙乳液、三乙二醇、鱼虾养殖、单乙醇胺、三乙醇胺、快干水泥
- 主营：架桥剂、YW100 锂萃取剂、端羧基液体丁腈橡胶、10-羟基癸酸、β-磷酸三钙、1-乙炔基环已醇、苯乙烯磷酸、肉豆蔻酸镁、硬脂酸钴、全氟三丁胺、乙烯基磷酸二乙酯、磷酸锰铁锂、十一烯酸、钨酸铝、间二异丙苯、锂硅合金、溴甲酚绿、生物活性玻璃、溴代海因树脂颗粒、红铝、龙涎酮、原丁酸三甲酯
- 主营：二萘酚、硫酸锌、封口蜡、优氯净、氯化锌、甘露醇、水杨酸、硫酸锰、防染盐、正辛烷、牛磺酸、白僵菌、冰醋酸、铵明矾、肉桂醇、碳酸镁、肉桂醛、磷酸铝、戊二醛、沸石粉、硫化钠、硫化钡、硫化钙、黄原胶、磺酸钙
- 主营：48、麦芽糖酸、苯氧基环磷腈、甲巯基四氮唑
- 主营：蛋白栋、DOP、玻璃粉、强氯精、优氯净、福美钠、黄糊精、硫酸钡、漂白粉、漂粉精、早强剂