Preservatives & Biocides
REACH
Chlorocresol
CAS Number
59-50-7
EC Number
200-431-6
Abbreviation
PCMC
What is Chlorocresol?
Chlorocresol (CAS 59-50-7), also known by the abbreviation PCMC, is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial active used as a preservative and biocide in pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial formulations.
Where is Chlorocresol used?
- Pharmaceuticals: preservative in topical creams, ointments, and multi-dose injectables
- Personal care: preservation of lotions, shampoos, and wet wipes
- Coatings, adhesives, and sealants: preservative
- Industrial cutting fluids and metalworking emulsions: suppression of bacterial growth
- It protects water-based systems from microbial degradation during storage and after application.
Good to know: Effective against bacteria, fungi, and yeast at low use concentrations. Standard grades include pharmaceutical-grade material meeting BP and Ph. Eur. specifications, as well as technical grade.
Commercial specifications
- Packaging from kilogram quantities up to bulk drums
Other Names (Synonyms)
4-Chloro-3-methylphenol|4-Chloro-m-cresol|p-Chloro-m-cresol|Ottafact|Baktol|Phenol, 4-chloro-3-methyl-|Baktolan|m-Cresol, 4-chloro-|PCMC
What are the physical properties of Chlorocresol?
Melting Point 67 °C
Boiling Point 235 °C
Density 1.37 g/cm³
Flash Point 118 °C
Appearance White (pure) or pink crystalline solid. Crystals turn pink on exposure to air and light. Phenolic odor.
Color White
Form Tablets
Water Solubility 4 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure <0.1 hPa (20 °C)
Refractive Index 1.5449 (estimate)
pH 6.5 (1g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P 3.100
How is Chlorocresol classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS05· Corrosive GHS07· Irritant GHS09· Environmental Hazard GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H312 Harmful in contact with skin
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
Precautionary Statements
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Chlorocresol?
HS Code 29081000
UN Number 3077
ADR Class 9
Packing Group III
Storage Class 6.1A - Combustible acute toxic Cat. 1 and 2
very toxic hazardous materials
WGK (Germany) 2