2,3,4,6-TETRACHLOROPHENOL

Chemical properties

beige solid

The Uses of 2,3,4,6-TETRACHLOROPHENOL

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol may be used as an analytical reference standard for the determination of the analyte in landfill leachates, aqueous samples, and environmental samples by various chromatographic techniques.

The Uses of 2,3,4,6-TETRACHLOROPHENOL

Used as a broad range pesticide against insects, fungi, vegetation and bacteria. It has become a common environmental contaminant and probable human carcinogen.

Definition

ChEBI: A tetrachlorophenol in which the chlorines are located at positions 2, 3, 4, and 6.

General Description

Brown flakes or beige solid. Strong odor.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

2,3,4,6-TETRACHLOROPHENOL reacts as a weak organic acid and is incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. May generate heat with bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization.

Hazard

Toxic by ingestion and inhalation, strong irritant.

Fire Hazard

Literature sources indicate that 2,3,4,6-TETRACHLOROPHENOL is nonflammable.

Safety Profile

Suspected carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic and teratogenic data. Poison by ingestion, skin contact, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous routes. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl-. Used as a disinfectant and a preservative for wood, latex, and leather. See also CHLOROPHENOLS.

Purification Methods

Crystallise the phenol from pet ether. The benzoate has m 116o (from EtOH). [Beilstein 6 H 193, 6 III 729, 6 IV 1021.]