Substance profile
4-tert-Butylphenol
4-tert-Butylphenol is needles from water with a distinctive odor.
01 · Identification
What 4-tert-Butylphenol is
4-tert-Butylphenol is needles from water with a distinctive odor. Its molecular formula is C10H14O and its molecular weight is 150.22 g/mol. It boils at 239 °C, melts at 98 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H361f | Suspected of damaging fertility. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P264, P273, P280, P302, P305, P310, P313, P332, P338, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
4-tert-Butylphenol properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 239 °C (462.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 239.5 °C (463.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 237 °C (458.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | 98 °C (208.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 101.11 °C (214 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.9 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.908 g/cm³ | OSHA | ||
| 1.037 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | In water, 610 mg/L at 25 deg (OECD Guideline 105) | HSDB | |
| In water, 580 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 607.2 mg/L at 25 °C (pH 6-7) National Standard ASTM E 1148 - 02, which is similar to OECD Guideline No. 105) | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 1 mmHg | OSHA | |
| 0.0092 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.225 mmHg | at 50 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 113 °C (235.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 112.78 °C (235 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 115 °C (239 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Vapor density | 5.1 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 4-tert-Butylphenol
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep in a dry place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Bases, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, oxidizing agents, brass, copper.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Phenols, such as 4-TERT-BUTYL PHENOL, do not behave as organic alcohols, as one might guess from the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group in their structure. Instead, they react as weak organic acids. Phenols and cresols are much weaker as acids than common carboxylic acids (phenol has pKa = 9.88). These materials are 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. Heat is also generated by the acid-base reaction between phenols and bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization of the organic compound. Phenols are sulfonated very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature). The reactions generate heat. Phenols are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 4-tert-Butylphenol in the storage compatibility matrix →