Ortho Cresol: Uses, Specifications and How to Buy It in Bulk
Ortho cresol (o-cresol, 2-methylphenol, CAS 95-48-7) is a phenolic intermediate used mainly to make MCPA and other herbicides, epoxy cresol novolac resins, cresol-based disinfectants such as Lysol, dye intermediates and antioxidants. Industrial buyers usually specify 99.5% minimum purity by GC, with tight limits on meta cresol, para cresol and phenol.
This guide covers what ortho cresol is, where it goes, how it differs from para cresol and cresol mixtures, and the specification and packaging details to lock down before you place a bulk order.
What is ortho cresol?
Ortho cresol is a derivative of phenol and an isomer of para cresol and meta cresol. The three isomers share the formula C7H8O and differ only in where the methyl group sits relative to the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring. In ortho cresol the two groups are next to each other, which shapes how the molecule reacts in chlorination, nitration and condensation with formaldehyde.
Commercially it is a colourless to pale-yellow solid that melts at about 31°C. That low melting point matters in practice: the same material can arrive as a solid block in a winter drum and as a liquid in a warm road tanker, so storage and unloading plans need to allow for both.
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | 2-methylphenol |
| CAS number | 95-48-7 |
| Molecular formula / weight | C7H8O / 108.14 |
| Melting point | 31°C to 33°C |
| Distillation range | 189°C to 192°C |
| Specific gravity | 1.03 to 1.05 at 30°C |
| HS code | 29071290 |
| UN number | 3455 (cresols, solid) |
Physical data from the Atul ortho cresol technical data sheet.
Where ortho cresol is used
Herbicides: MCPA and DNOC
Crop protection is the largest single outlet. Chlorinating and etherifying ortho cresol produces MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid), a selective herbicide used against broadleaf weeds in cereal crops. Nitration of ortho cresol gives dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC), an older herbicide. For agrochemical manufacturers, ortho cresol purity has a direct effect on the isomer profile of the final technical-grade active ingredient.
Epoxy cresol novolac resins
Ortho cresol condenses with formaldehyde to form cresol novolac resins, which are then reacted with epichlorohydrin to make epoxy cresol novolac (ECN). ECN is used where epoxy has to perform at high temperature, including electrical and electronic encapsulation. Lanxess lists phenolic and epoxy novolac resin production among the main applications, and Atul’s data sheet names electronic-grade resins specifically.
Disinfectants and cresol soaps
Cresols are strong germicides. Atul lists Lysol among ortho cresol’s applications, and Epsilon Carbon notes that in India o-cresol is used in tanning agents, Lysol manufacture and agrochemicals.
Dyes, fragrances and pharmaceuticals
The same Atul data sheet lists dye intermediates, perfumery applications, pigments, pharmaceuticals, polymers and plasticisers as further uses. In dyes, ortho cresol is a building block for intermediates that end up in textile, leather and paper colourants.
Other industrial uses
Smaller volumes go into cleaning compounds, degreasers, paint strippers, adhesives, wood preservatives and cutting oils, according to Epsilon Carbon’s product sheet.
Ortho cresol vs para cresol vs cresol mixture
Buyers sometimes treat the cresols as interchangeable. They are not, and the wrong isomer will fail in synthesis. The table below shows how Neshiel’s three cresol products differ.
| Product | Composition | Main uses |
|---|---|---|
| Ortho cresol | 99.5% min o-cresol | MCPA and DNOC herbicides, novolac and epoxy novolac resins, Lysol, dye intermediates |
| Para cresol | 99% min p-cresol | BHT antioxidant, anisaldehyde fragrance chain, sunscreens, trimethoprim, dyes |
| Phenol / cresol mixture | Phenol 65% min, o-cresol 35% max, p- + m-cresol 5% max | Disinfectants, phenolic resins, wire enamels |
The mixture is the economical choice when a formulation needs phenolic reactivity but not a single pure isomer. Atul describes it as a cost-effective substitute for cresylic acid and phenol in bakelite and phenolic resins. For a full look at the para isomer, read our guide to para cresol uses and grades.
Specifications to put in your purchase order
A purchase order that only says “ortho cresol 99%” leaves too much room. These are the parameters Neshiel quotes for its ortho cresol grade, and the reason each one is there.
| Parameter | Neshiel specification | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to pale-yellow solid | Darker material points to oxidation or contamination |
| Purity (GC) | 99.5% minimum | Sets yield in downstream synthesis |
| Moisture (KF) | 0.15% maximum | Water interferes with chlorination and resin cure |
| m-Cresol (GC) | 0.1% maximum | Isomer impurities carry into herbicide and resin products |
| p-Cresol (GC) | 0.1% maximum | Same as above |
| Phenol (GC) | 0.2% maximum | Changes reactivity and cross-link density in resins |
| Colour (APHA) | 60 maximum | Matters for light-coloured resins and specialty grades |
Ask for a certificate of analysis with each batch showing the GC values for all three isomers and phenol, not just total purity. If your process is sensitive to colour, ask for the APHA figure on the COA as well.
Packaging, storage and handling
Neshiel supplies ortho cresol in 200 kg GI drums, road tankers and ISO tanks. Choose by consumption: drums suit formulators using a few tonnes a month, while tankers and ISO tanks suit continuous plants and cut handling losses. The Atul data sheet gives a shelf life of 12 months from manufacture.
Three handling points come up repeatedly:
- Melting and transfer. Because the material solidifies below about 31°C, drums may need a hot room or drum heater, and bulk storage often needs heated tanks and lines.
- Health and safety. Cresols are toxic and corrosive to skin. NIOSH publishes exposure limits covering all three cresol isomers. Use the supplier SDS, chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and local exhaust ventilation.
- Transport documents. Ortho cresol moves as a dangerous good under UN 3455. Confirm your transporter is licensed for it before dispatch.
How to choose an ortho cresol supplier
For a phenolic intermediate that feeds regulated products like herbicides, the supplier check goes beyond price per kilogram:
- Batch-wise COA with isomer-level GC data
- Consistency of APHA colour across lots, if your product is colour-sensitive
- Pack sizes that match your unloading facilities (drum vs tanker vs ISO tank)
- Correct DG paperwork and a transporter licensed for UN 3455
- Realistic lead times and a backup source if the primary producer has a shutdown
Our guide on how to compare chemical suppliers covers the commercial side of this in more detail.
Need ortho cresol in drums, tankers or ISO tanks? Neshiel Agrochem supplies 99.5% minimum ortho cresol with full isomer-level COA. Ask our team for a quote and current lead time, or see our full range of industrial chemicals.
Frequently asked questions
What is ortho cresol used for?
Mainly as an intermediate for MCPA and DNOC herbicides, epoxy cresol novolac and phenolic resins, cresol-based disinfectants such as Lysol, dye intermediates and antioxidants.
Is ortho cresol a solid or a liquid?
It is a solid at room temperature in cooler climates and melts at about 31°C to 33°C, so it is often handled as a liquid in heated tanks.
What is the HS code for ortho cresol?
Ortho cresol is classified under HS code 29071290.
What is the difference between ortho cresol and para cresol?
They are isomers with the methyl group in a different position. Ortho cresol goes mostly into herbicides and novolac resins, while para cresol goes mostly into BHT antioxidant and fragrance intermediates.
