(3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol: Properties & Lab FAQ

(3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol is an aromatic benzylic alcohol bearing a chloro substituent at the 3-position and a methyl group at the 2-position of the phenyl ring, making it a versatile intermediate for organic synthesis.

Chemical Name

(3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol

SKU

M727359

Molecular Formula

C8H9ClO

Molecular Weight

156.61 g/mol

Functional Groups

Primary benzylic alcohol, aryl chloride, aryl methyl

Appearance

Colorless to pale yellow liquid or low-melting solid (typical for substituted benzyl alcohols; verify with CoA)

What Is (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol and What Are Its Key Properties?

(3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol (SKU M727359) is a substituted benzyl alcohol with the molecular formula C₈H₉ClO and a molecular weight of approximately 156.61 g/mol. The molecule features a primary hydroxymethyl group attached to a phenyl ring that carries a chloro substituent at the 3-position and a methyl group at the 2-position (ortho to the –CH₂OH). This combination of functional groups — a reactive benzylic alcohol, an electrophilic aryl chloride, and a steric methyl substituent — makes this compound a multifunctional building block in medicinal chemistry and fine-chemical synthesis.

As with most substituted benzyl alcohols, the compound is expected to be a colorless to pale yellow liquid or low-melting solid at room temperature. Researchers should consult the product Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for lot-specific physical data including melting/boiling point, purity, and refractive index.

How Should (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol Be Handled and Stored?

Standard precautions for handling chlorinated aromatic alcohols should be followed. Work in a well-ventilated fume hood, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat), and avoid inhalation of vapors or dust. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific before use for comprehensive hazard and first-aid information.

For storage, keep the compound in a tightly sealed container away from moisture, heat, and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and strong bases. Refrigerated storage (2–8 °C) under an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) is generally recommended to minimize oxidation of the benzylic alcohol and hydrolysis of the aryl chloride moiety over time. Confirm specific storage conditions on the product label and CoA.

What Are the Typical Applications of (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol in Research?

(3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol is primarily used as a synthetic building block and intermediate in organic chemistry. Its key applications include:

• Nucleophilic substitution reactions: The primary benzylic –OH can be converted to a leaving group (e.g., mesylate, tosylate, or bromide) for subsequent S_N2 reactions with nucleophiles, enabling the elaboration of diverse benzyl-containing target molecules.
• Cross-coupling chemistry: The aryl chloride moiety can participate in palladium- or nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions (e.g., Suzuki, Negishi, Buchwald–Hartwig) to construct biaryl or arylamine frameworks.
• Oxidation to aldehyde: The benzylic alcohol can be selectively oxidized to the corresponding aldehyde (3-chloro-2-methylbenzaldehyde), which is itself a useful electrophile in condensation chemistry.
• Medicinal chemistry: Chloromethylphenyl and benzyl alcohol motifs frequently appear in pharmacophores; this compound may serve as a precursor to biologically active molecules.

Researchers should independently verify suitability for specific transformations and confirm reaction conditions in peer-reviewed literature.

Purity, Quality, and Regulatory Considerations

Aladdin Scientific supplies (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol (SKU M727359) as a research-grade reagent. The lot-specific purity is documented in the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) available upon request or via the Aladdin website. Typical analytical methods for characterization include GC, HPLC, and NMR.

This product is intended for research and development use only and is not approved for use in diagnostic, therapeutic, food, or veterinary applications without appropriate regulatory clearance. Purchasers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable local, national, and international regulations governing the purchase, handling, and disposal of chlorinated organic compounds.

Frequently asked questions

What is the molecular weight and formula of (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol?

(3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol has the molecular formula C8H9ClO and a molecular weight of approximately 156.61 g/mol. The structure consists of a benzyl alcohol core with a chloro group at the 3-position and a methyl group at the 2-position of the ring.

How should I store (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol to maintain its stability?

Store the compound in a tightly sealed container at 2–8 °C under an inert gas (nitrogen or argon) and protected from light and moisture. These conditions help prevent oxidation of the benzylic alcohol and potential slow degradation of the aryl chloride. Always refer to the product label and CoA for lot-specific storage recommendations.

Can (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol be used in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions?

Yes, the aryl chloride moiety in (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol is a potential partner in palladium- or nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions such as Suzuki–Miyaura or Negishi couplings, provided appropriate catalysts and ligands are selected to activate the less reactive aryl chloride bond. Researchers should consult primary literature for optimized protocols and verify compatibility with the free benzylic alcohol functionality.

What safety precautions are required when working with (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol?

Handle this compound in a well-ventilated fume hood while wearing nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat. Avoid skin contact, eye contact, and inhalation of vapors. Consult the Aladdin Scientific SDS for full hazard classification, first-aid measures, and disposal guidance before use.

Is (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol available as a research-grade reagent from Aladdin Scientific?

Yes, (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU M727359 as a research-grade reagent. A Certificate of Analysis with lot-specific purity data is available upon request. Contact Aladdin Scientific customer service for pricing, availability, and bulk enquiries.

References

1. Clayden, J.; Greeves, N.; Warren, S. Organic Chemistry, 2nd ed.; Oxford University Press: Oxford, 2012. (General reference for benzylic alcohol reactivity and aromatic substitution chemistry.)
2. Aladdin Scientific. Certificate of Analysis — (3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)methanol, SKU M727359. (Lot-specific purity, physical properties, and storage conditions.)
3. Miyaura, N.; Suzuki, A. Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Organoboron Compounds. Chemical Reviews 1995, 95 (7), 2457–2483. doi:10.1021/cr00039a007

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