4-ethylphenol
Sign in to saveEthylphenol (4-EP) is an organic compound with the formula C2H5C6H4OH. It is one of three isomeric ethylphenols. A white solid, it occurs as an impurity in xylenols and as such is used in the production of some commercial phenolic resins. It is also a precursor to 4-vinylphenol.
Article
6 sectionsContents
- Production
- Natural occurrences
- Biochemistry
- See also
- References
- External links
Ethylphenol (4-EP) is an organic compound with the formula C2H5C6H4OH. It is one of three isomeric ethylphenols. A white solid, it occurs as an impurity in xylenols and as such is used in the production of some commercial phenolic resins. It is also a precursor to 4-vinylphenol.
==Production== 4-Ethylphenol is produced by careful sulfonation of ethylbenzene to 4-ethylphenylsulfonic acid. The sulfonic acid is subsequently subjected to alkaline fusion, the dissolution of the sulfonic acid in molten alkali metal base. The main steps in the synthesis are shown: (Et = ethyl)