4-Phenylphenol

4-Phenylphenol (CAS 92-69-3), also known as 4-hydroxybiphenyl, is a hydroxylated biphenyl compound used as a biocide and preservative across personal care, pharmaceutical, and food-contact applications. It functions as an antimicrobial agent and antioxidant stabilizer in formulations requiring broad-spectrum protection against microbial degradation. In personal care and cosmetics, it is incorporated into preservative systems.

This compound is used for creams, lotions, and rinse-off products where microbial contamination control is critical. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an intermediate in the synthesis of active ingredients. It also serves as a stabilizer in formulations sensitive to oxidative degradation. In food packaging and food-contact materials, it serves as a preservative additive where regulatory compliance governs sourcing.

Industrial disinfectant and surface treatment formulations also rely on it for its biocidal efficacy against bacteria and fungi. 4-Phenylphenol is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder or flakes. Technical and pharmaceutical-grade material is available, with pharmaceutical intermediates typically meeting defined purity thresholds relevant to GMP manufacturing environments. Bulk quantities are standard for industrial scale.