3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol: Properties, Uses & Safety

3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol is a methoxy-substituted cresol derivative recognised for its distinctive aromatic character and valued as a reference standard and building block in flavour, fragrance, and synthetic organic chemistry research.

Chemical Name

3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol

SKU

M728240

Molecular Formula

C8H10O2

Molecular Weight

138.16 g/mol

Functional Groups

Phenolic hydroxyl (–OH) and methoxy (–OCH3)

Appearance

Colourless to pale yellow liquid or solid (verify with CoA)

Primary Application Areas

Flavour and fragrance research, organic synthesis, analytical reference standards

Chemical Identity and Structure

3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol (CAS number to be confirmed; see review flags) belongs to the class of methoxyphenols, which are phenol derivatives bearing at least one methoxy substituent on the aromatic ring. In this compound, a methoxy group (–OCH3) is located at the 3-position and a methyl group (–CH3) at the 4-position relative to the phenolic hydroxyl group.

The molecular formula is C₈H₁₀O₂, giving a molecular weight of approximately 138.16 g/mol. The simultaneous presence of the electron-donating methoxy and methyl substituents influences the electron density distribution of the aromatic ring, affecting its reactivity in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions and its hydrogen-bonding capacity through the free phenolic –OH group.

This substitution pattern places 3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol within the broader family of creosol-related compounds found in lignin degradation products and wood smoke, underpinning its relevance to natural product chemistry and aroma research.

Applications in Research and Industry

Flavour and Fragrance Science: Methoxyphenol derivatives are well-established contributors to smoky, spicy, and phenolic aroma profiles. 3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol may serve as a reference standard in analytical studies characterising volatile compounds in foods, beverages, or tobacco matrices, as well as a starting material for the synthesis of novel fragrance molecules.

Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry: The compound functions as a versatile building block. The phenolic –OH group can be selectively protected, alkylated, or acylated, while the aromatic ring can undergo further electrophilic substitution. Such transformations make it useful in the preparation of more complex target molecules, including potential bioactive compounds.

Analytical Reference Standards: High-purity samples of 3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol support method development and validation in gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and mass spectrometry (MS) workflows, particularly in environmental and food-safety laboratories.

Natural Product and Lignin Chemistry: As a structural analogue of lignin-derived phenolics, this compound is relevant to research on lignocellulosic biomass valorisation and the development of bio-based aromatic chemicals.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Guidelines

As with most phenolic compounds, 3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a laboratory coat. Operations producing dust or vapour should be conducted in a well-ventilated fume hood.

Storage: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidisers and strong bases. The exact recommended storage temperature should be confirmed from the product's Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific.

Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations applicable to phenolic waste. Do not pour down the drain without checking regulatory requirements.

Note: Always consult the current SDS for authoritative hazard classification, first-aid measures, and regulatory information before use. The SDS supersedes any general guidance provided here.

Purity, Specifications, and Quality Assurance

Aladdin Scientific supplies 3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol under SKU M728240. Researchers requiring precise purity data, lot-specific analytical results, and full physicochemical characterisation should refer to the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) available for each production lot.

Typical quality control testing for aromatic phenolic reagents may include:

• Purity determination by GC or HPLC
• Identity confirmation by infrared (IR) spectroscopy or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
• Water content by Karl Fischer titration
• Appearance and colour assessment

For research applications requiring the highest accuracy—such as quantitative analytical calibration or pharmacological screening—always verify the lot-specific purity and request a CoA prior to use. Contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for custom purity grades or bulk quantities.

Frequently asked questions

What is 3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol used for in research?

3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol is used as a building block in organic synthesis, as an analytical reference standard in chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods, and in flavour and fragrance research where methoxyphenol compounds contribute to characteristic aroma profiles. It is also relevant to natural product and lignin chemistry.

How should 3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol be stored?

The compound should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from strong oxidisers and strong bases. Consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided by Aladdin Scientific for lot-specific storage temperature recommendations.

What is the molecular formula and molecular weight of 3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol?

3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol has the molecular formula C8H10O2 and a molecular weight of approximately 138.16 g/mol. These values are based on its two oxygen-containing functional groups—a phenolic hydroxyl and a methoxy group—on a toluene (methylbenzene) framework.

How can I obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for SKU M728240?

You can obtain a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis for 3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol (M728240) by contacting Aladdin Scientific customer service or through the product page on the Aladdin Scientific website. The CoA provides confirmed purity, physical data, and analytical test results for each production batch.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific product listing for 3-Methoxy-4-methylphenol, SKU M728240.
2. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure. Wiley. (General reference for phenolic chemistry and electrophilic aromatic substitution.)
3. Faix, O. (1991). Classification of Lignins from Different Botanical Origins by FT-IR Spectroscopy. Holzforschung, 45(s1), 21–27. (Background on methoxyphenol lignin degradation products.)

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.