[News & Trends]:The difference between cresol and meta cresol

Cresol and meta cresol are two common chemical substances that differ in their chemical structure, properties, and uses


From a chemical structure perspective, the chemical name of cresol is methylphenol, with a molecular formula of C7H8O and a structural formula of CH3C6H4OH. The chemical name of meta cresol is meta cresol, with a molecular formula of C7H8O and a structural formula of CH3C6H4OH. However, the different positions of methyl CH3 in their molecular structures result in differences in their physical and chemical properties


From a physical property perspective, there are some differences in appearance, melting point, and boiling point between cresol and meta cresol. Cresol is a white to slightly yellow crystalline substance with a special phenolic taste, with a melting point of 17 ℃ and a boiling point of 198 ℃. Metacresol is a colorless to slightly yellow crystalline substance with a special phenolic taste, with a melting point of 29 ℃ and a boiling point of 244 ℃. It can be seen that the melting point and boiling point of meta cresol are higher than those of cresol


Again, from a chemical perspective, there are differences between cresol and meta cresol in terms of solubility and oxidation. Cresol is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, and slightly soluble in water. It can be neutralized by sodium hydroxide and acid. M-cresol is soluble in acetone and ether solvents, slightly soluble in water. It reacts with oxidizing substances such as bleaching powder, nitric acid, and concentrated sulfuric acid


From the perspective of usage, cresol and meta cresol have different applications in fields such as medicine and chemical industry. Cresol is mainly used as an antibacterial and surfactant, and is widely used in industries such as medicine, leather making, dyes, and dyeing. And meta cresol is mainly used as a fungicide and antifungal agent, commonly used in anti-corrosion and antifungal treatments such as wood and coatings


In summary, there are significant differences between cresol and meta cresol in terms of chemical structure, properties, and uses. Understanding and distinguishing the differences between these two is of great significance for their correct application and rational use.