Chlorocresol

Synonyms:  Aptal; Baktol; chlorocresolum; 4-chloro-m-cresol; p-chloro-mcresol; 1-chloro-4-hydroxy-2-methylbenzene; 2-chloro-5-hydroxytoluene; 6-chloro-3-hydroxytoluene; 4-chloro-3-methylphenol; 3- methyl-4-chlorophenol; Nipacide PC; parachlorometacresol; PCMC

Description: Colorless or almost colorless, dimorphous crystals or crystalline powder with a characteristic phenolic odor

Chemical Name: 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol

Antimicrobial preservative; disinfectant.

• Chlorocresol is used as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics and pharmaceutical formulations.

• It is generally used in concentrations up to 0.2% in a variety of preparations except those intended for oral administration or that contact mucous membrane.

• Chlorocresol is effective against bacteria, spores, molds, and yeasts; it is most active in acidic media.

• Preservative efficacy may be reduced in the presence of some other excipients, particularly nonionic surfactants.

• In higher concentrations, chlorocresol is an effective disinfectant.

Chlorocresol can decompose on contact with strong alkalis, evolving heat and fumes that ignite explosively. It is also incompatible with oxidizing agents, copper, and with solutions of calcium chloride, codeine phosphate, diamorphine hydrochloride, papaveretum, and quinine hydrochloride. Chlorocresol is corrosive to metals and forms complex compounds with transition metal ions; discoloration occurs with iron salts. Chlorocresol also exhibits strong sorption or binding tendencies to organic materials such as rubber, certain plastics, and nonionic surfactants

Chlorocresol is used primarily as a preservative in topical pharmaceutical formulations but has also been used in nebulized solutions and ophthalmic and parenteral preparations. It should not, however, be used in formulations for intrathecal, intracisternal, or peridural injection

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Chlorocresol can be irritant to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing are recommended. Chlorocresol presents a slight fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. It burns to produce highly toxic fumes containing phosgene and hydrogen chloride

Cresol; chloroxylenol.