Chloroxylenol

• 4-chloro- 3 ,5- dimethylphenol (IUPAC)
• Para- chloro-meta -xylenol
• PCMX

D08AE05

White to beige crystals with phenolartigem odor

Fixed

114-116 ° C

246 ° C

Practically insoluble in water

Attention

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Chloroxylenol (para- chloro-meta - xylenol, PCMX, 4 -chloro-3 ,5- dimethylphenol ) is a halogenated phenol is used as a disinfectant. It is run by the World Health Organization in the list of essential medicines.

Representation

By chlorination of 3,5-xylenol chloroxylenol is accessible.

Use

Chloroxylenol finds use in a variety of antibacterial soaps, hand disinfectants and antiseptics. In addition, it is used as a preservative in cosmetics, paints, and other products used. Chloroxylenol is in the concentrations used ( 0.5-4 % ) non-toxic to humans, occasionally it can cause skin irritation. It was first time in 1959 registered in the United States for use as a fungicide. Concern are possible contamination with dioxins, which may occur during the manufacturing process.

Chloroxylenol shows good efficacy against bacteria ( bactericidal ) and fungi ( fungicidal ), especially against Gram-positive pathogens. However, the antimicrobial activity is highly dependent on the formulation. The mechanism of action of specifically chloroxylenol is little studied, but probably different from other phenols; the reactive hydroxyl groups form hydrogen bonds with macromolecules, especially proteins, which leads to disturbances of enzyme function and membrane integrity.