Preservatives & Biocides
REACH
Chloroxylenol
CAS Number
88-04-0
EC Number
201-793-8
Abbreviation
PCMX
What is Chloroxylenol?
Chloroxylenol (CAS 88-04-0), commonly known as PCMX, is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial active.
Where is Chloroxylenol used?
- Personal care and OTC healthcare: active ingredient in antiseptic hand soaps, surgical scrubs, wound care preparations and medicated skin cleansers
- Industrial and institutional disinfection: surface sanitization in healthcare facilities, food processing environments and veterinary settings
- Textile and leather processing: preservative biocide against microbial degradation during wet processing and storage
- In plastics it functions as an antioxidant and stabilizer.
Good to know: Pharmaceutical specifications are the primary requirement; technical grade serves industrial preservation and polymer applications where high-level purity is less critical.
Commercial specifications
- Minimum purity of 98–99% typical for pharmaceutical-grade material
Other Names (Synonyms)
PCMX|p-chloro-m-xylenol|p-chloro-3,5-xylenol|4-chloro-m-xylenol|4-chloro-1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzene|3,5-dimethyl-4-chlorophenol|2-Chloro-m-xylenol|2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene
What are the physical properties of Chloroxylenol?
Melting Point 115 °C
Boiling Point 246 °C
Density 0.67 g/cm3
Flash Point 132 °C
Appearance white or cream crystalline powder with a characteristic odour
Color White to light beige
Odor wh. cryst. or cryst. powd., char. phenolic odor
Form Crystalline Powder or Crystals
Water Solubility 0.3 g/L (20 ºC)
Refractive Index 1.5523 (estimate)
pH 7 (0.2g/l, H2O)
Log P 3.270
How is Chloroxylenol classified and handled safely? Learn More
Warning
GHS07· Irritant
Hazard Statements
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H315 Causes skin irritation
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
Precautionary Statements
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.
P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Chloroxylenol?
HS Code 29081000
UN Number 3077
ADR Class 9
Packing Group III
Storage Class 11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany) 1