Para-tertiary-butylphenol, p-tert-Butylphenol, Butylphen, PTBP, 98-54-4
p-tert-BUTYLPHENOL (PTBP)
CAS Number: 98-54-4
EC Number (EINECS): 202-679-0
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₄O
Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
REACH Status: Active/Registered
SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter |
Description |
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) |
4-(tert-Butyl)phenol |
| Other Names |
p-tert-Butylphenol, PTBP, Butylphen, 4-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)phenol, p-t-Butylphenol, para-tertiary-butylphenol |
| CAS Number |
98-54-4 |
| EC Number (EINECS) |
202-679-0 |
| Molecular Formula |
C₁₀H₁₄O |
| Molecular Weight |
150.22 g/mol |
| Chemical Class |
Alkylphenol |
| Appearance |
White crystalline solid (crystals or white flakes) |
| Odor |
Characteristic phenolic (disinfectant-like) odor |
| Purity |
≥ 98.0% (typical commercial grade) |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property |
Value |
| Molecular Formula |
C₁₀H₁₄O |
| Molecular Weight |
150.22 g/mol |
| Appearance |
White crystalline solid (flakes or pastilles) |
| Odor |
Phenolic, disinfectant-like |
| Melting Point |
~96 - 101 °C (lit.) |
| Boiling Point |
236 - 238 °C (lit.) |
| Density (20°C) |
0.908 g/mL |
| Bulk Density |
~450 kg/m³ |
| Refractive Index (n²⁰D) |
1.4787 |
| Flash Point |
~113 °C (closed cup) |
| Autoignition Temperature |
~475 °C |
| Vapor Pressure |
1 mmHg (at 70 °C) |
| Vapor Density (air=1) |
5.1 (heavier than air) |
| pH (10 g/L, H₂O, 20°C) |
~7.0 |
| pKa (25°C) |
10.23 |
| Water Solubility (20°C) |
~0.6 - 8.7 g/L (low solubility) |
| LogP (octanol/water) |
3.0 (at 23°C) |
| Organic Solubility |
Soluble in alcohols, ketones, esters, aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Explosive Limits |
0.8 - 5.3% (V) |
| Henry's Law Constant |
8.9 x 10⁻¹⁰ mol/(m³·Pa) at 25°C |
SECTION 3: SOLUBILITY PROFILE
| Solvent |
Solubility |
Condition |
| Water |
Low solubility (~0.6 - 8.7 g/L) |
20°C |
| Ethanol |
Soluble (50 mg/mL, clear) |
Room temperature |
| Acetone |
Soluble |
- |
| Methanol |
Soluble |
- |
| Toluene |
Soluble |
- |
| Xylene |
Soluble |
- |
| Esters (e.g., butyl acetate) |
Soluble |
- |
| Strong Alkaline Solutions |
Soluble (forms phenolate salts) |
- |
Critical Note: PTBP has low water solubility but is readily soluble in most organic solvents. It dissolves in strong alkaline solutions through the formation of phenolate salts.
SECTION 4: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS
| Property |
Description |
| Chemical Class |
Alkylphenol (substituted phenol) |
| Functional Group |
Phenolic -OH group with tert-butyl substituent at para position |
| Acidity |
Weak organic acid (pKa: 10.23) |
| Reactivity |
Undergoes typical phenol reactions; electrophilic aromatic substitution (nitration, sulfonation, halogenation) |
4.1. Key Reactions
| Reaction Type |
Description |
| Salt Formation |
Reacts with strong bases to form phenolate salts |
| Esterification |
Reacts with acid chlorides/anhydrides to form esters |
| Etherification |
Reacts with alkyl halides to form ethers |
| Electrophilic Substitution |
Undergoes nitration, sulfonation, halogenation (para and ortho positions) |
| Formaldehyde Condensation |
Reacts with formaldehyde to form p-tert-butylphenol-formaldehyde resins (PTBPFR) |
| Oxidation |
Combustible; can oxidize with strong oxidizers |
| Thermal Decomposition |
Releases toxic fumes (CO, CO₂, phenols) upon decomposition |
4.2. Stability
| Parameter |
Information |
| Thermal Stability |
Stable under normal conditions |
| Color Stability |
Color gradually darkens upon exposure to light, heat, or air |
| Incompatibilities |
Strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents (hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, sulfides), bases (exothermic reaction), acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, copper, steel |
| Hazardous Decomposition |
Toxic fumes of CO, CO₂, and phenol derivatives |
SECTION 5: SPECTRAL DATA
| Parameter |
Value |
| FTIR (KBr, cm⁻¹) |
3300-3400 (O-H), 2960 (C-H aliphatic), 1610, 1510 (C=C aromatic), 1240 (C-O) |
| ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, ppm) |
7.25 (d, 2H, aromatic H-2,6), 6.75 (d, 2H, aromatic H-3,5), 4.8 (s, 1H, OH), 1.30 (s, 9H, tert-butyl) |
| ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃, ppm) |
153.0 (C-OH), 143.0 (C-tert-butyl), 126.5 (aromatic CH), 115.0 (aromatic CH), 34.0 (tert-butyl quaternary C), 31.5 (CH₃) |
| Mass Spectrometry (EI-MS) |
150 [M]⁺, 135 [M-CH₃]⁺, 107 [C₇H₇O]⁺, 77 [C₆H₅]⁺ |
SECTION 6: PURITY AND QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter |
Standard Grade |
High Purity Grade |
| Purity (GC) |
≥ 98.0% |
≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance |
White to light beige flakes/crystals |
White flakes/crystals |
| Melting Point |
96 - 101 °C |
98 - 100 °C |
| Water Content |
≤ 0.5% |
≤ 0.2% |
| Ash Content |
≤ 0.05% |
≤ 0.02% |
| Color (Molten) |
≤ 50 APHA |
≤ 20 APHA |
| p-Hydroxy Content |
≥ 99.0% |
≥ 99.5% |
| Isomer Content |
Specified (para-isomer) |
Specified |
SECTION 7: MAJOR APPLICATIONS AND END-USES
7.1. Phenolic Resins (Major Application)
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Oil-Soluble Phenolic Resins |
Key intermediate for non-water-soluble phenolic resins |
Major |
| p-tert-Butylphenol-Formaldehyde Resins |
Base material for adhesives, coatings, inks, paper laminates |
Major |
| Casting Moulds |
Resin component for foundry applications |
Major |
| Printing Inks |
Resin component for lithographic and flexographic inks |
Major |
7.2. Epoxy Systems
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Epoxy Hardeners |
Component in epoxy curing systems |
Major |
| Epoxy Modifiers |
Modifies epoxy resin properties |
Significant |
7.3. Rubber Additives
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Antioxidants |
Rubber and elastomer stabilizer |
Significant |
| Processing Aids |
Improves rubber processability |
Significant |
7.4. Specialty Chemicals
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Surfactants |
Intermediate for nonionic surfactants |
Significant |
| Lubricant Additives |
Pour-point depressors, emulsion breakers for petroleum oils |
Significant |
| Synthetic Lubricants |
Component in specialty lubricants |
Significant |
| Plasticizers |
Plasticizer for cellulose acetate |
Significant |
| Insecticides |
Intermediate for insecticide production |
Minor |
7.5. Coatings and Adhesives
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Varnishes and Lacquers |
Resin component for durable coatings |
Major |
| Adhesives |
Component in neoprene glues, shoe and leather adhesives |
Major |
| Automotive |
Car brake linings, insulated electrical cables |
Major |
7.6. Industrial Odorants
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Industrial Odorants |
Used as a fragrance/fixer in industrial applications (FEMA 3918) |
Minor |
| Leather Industry |
Preservative in box and furniture manufacture |
Significant |
SECTION 8: ALLERGENS AND SAFETY CONCERNS
| Parameter |
Information |
| Contact Allergen |
Identified as a sensitizer; p-tert-butylphenol-formaldehyde resins (PTBPFR) are known contact allergens |
| Occupational Exposure |
Major exposure sources: neoprene glues, adhesives (shoe/leather industry, car production) |
| Sensitization |
p-tert-Butylphenol itself is the sensitizer in PTBPFR formulations |
SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGY AND HEALTH EFFECTS
| Parameter |
Value / Description |
| GHS Classification |
GHS05 (Corrosive), GHS08 (Health hazard), GHS09 (Environmental hazard) |
| Signal Word |
Danger |
| Hazard Statements |
H315 (Causes skin irritation), H318 (Causes serious eye damage), H361f (Suspected of damaging fertility), H410 (Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects) |
| Risk Phrases |
R37/38 (Irritating to respiratory system and skin), R41 (Risk of serious damage to eyes), R51/53 (Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects) |
| Skin Contact |
Irritant; may cause burns and dermatitis |
| Eye Contact |
Causes serious eye damage |
| Inhalation |
Irritating to respiratory system |
| Ingestion |
May cause burns to mouth, throat, and digestive tract |
| Target Organs |
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, reproductive system (suspected) |
9.1. First Aid Measures
| Exposure Route |
Action |
| Inhalation |
Remove from exposure. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. Transfer promptly to medical facility |
| Skin Contact |
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention |
| Eye Contact |
Remove contact lenses. Irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper/lower lids. Seek immediate medical attention |
| Ingestion |
Give large quantities of water. Induce vomiting. Do NOT induce vomiting in unconscious persons. Seek medical attention immediately |
9.2. Regulatory Status
| Regulation |
Status |
| EU REACH |
Active/Registered |
| Turkey KKDİK |
Registration required |
| USA OSHA |
Regulated; sampling method available |
| USA TSCA |
Listed |
| EU Cosmetics Regulation |
Not permitted for cosmetic/food applications |
| FDA |
Not listed for food/cosmetic applications |
| EINECS |
202-679-0 |
SECTION 10: ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR
| Parameter |
Value / Description |
| Fish Toxicity |
Toxic to aquatic organisms |
| Aquatic Toxicity |
H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects |
| Water Hazard Class (WGK Germany) |
WGK 2 (hazardous to water) |
| Biodegradability |
May be toxic to aquatic systems; avoid environmental release |
| Bioaccumulation Potential |
LogP = 3.0; moderate bioaccumulation potential |
| Persistence |
May have long-term adverse effects in aquatic environment |
Ecotoxicological Summary: PTBP is classified as very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410). Avoid release to the environment. Special disposal procedures required (S61: Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/safety data sheet) .
SECTION 11: SAFETY MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
| Parameter |
Information |
| Respiratory Protection |
Use NIOSH-approved respirator; organic vapor cartridge for particulates |
| Gloves |
Chemically resistant (nitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber) |
| Eye Protection |
Chemical safety goggles with face shield |
| Body Protection |
Chemical-resistant apron; full protective clothing |
| Ventilation |
Local exhaust ventilation recommended; ensure adequate general ventilation |
| Engineering Controls |
Use closed systems where possible; eyewash stations and safety showers |
| Precautionary Statements |
P202 (Do not handle until all safety precautions read/understood), P273 (Avoid release to the environment), P280 (Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection), P302+P352 (IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water/soap), P305+P351+P338 (IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing), P308+P313 (IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention) |
SECTION 12: STORAGE INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| Storage Conditions |
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Temperature |
Room temperature (15-25°C) |
| Container |
Tightly closed containers; protect from moisture |
| Materials to Avoid |
Strong oxidizing agents, reducing substances (hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, sulfides), bases (exothermic reaction), acid chlorides, anhydrides, copper, steel |
| Light/Heat/Air Sensitivity |
Color gradually darkens upon exposure to light, heat, or air |
| Shelf Life |
24 months (under recommended conditions) |
| Special Notes |
Store away from direct sunlight; keep containers tightly closed |
SECTION 13: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| UN Number |
UN 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s.) |
| UN Number (Alternative) |
UN 2430 (Alkylphenols, solid, n.o.s.) - Class 8 Corrosive |
| Hazard Class |
9 (Miscellaneous dangerous goods) / 8 (Corrosive) depending on classification |
| Packing Group |
III |
| Labels |
9 (Environmentally hazardous substance) / 8 (Corrosive) |
| ADR/RID |
UN 3077, Class 9, PG III |
| IMDG Code |
UN 3077, Class 9, PG III |
| IATA (Air) |
UN 3077, Class 9, PG III |
| Marine Pollutant |
Yes (classified as environmentally hazardous) |
| Proper Shipping Name |
Alkylphenols, solid, n.o.s. (p-tert-butylphenol) |
| HS Code |
29071900 |
SECTION 14: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter |
Information |
| Fire Hazard |
Combustible solid; flammable at high temperatures |
| Flash Point |
~113 °C |
| Autoignition Temperature |
~475 °C |
| Explosive Limits |
0.8 - 5.3% (V) |
| Extinguishing Media |
Water spray, foam, CO₂, dry chemical powder |
| Special Hazards |
Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air |
| Decomposition Products |
Toxic fumes: CO, CO₂, phenol derivatives |
| Protective Equipment |
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
| Water Use |
Avoid excessive water; prevent runoff entering drains |
SECTION 15: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE AND CLEANUP
| Parameter |
Information |
| Personal Protection |
Gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing, respirator |
| Ventilation |
Increase ventilation |
| Control |
Avoid dust formation; contain spill |
| Cleanup Methods |
Sweep up with suitable tools; place in sealed containers for disposal |
| Environmental Precautions |
Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and water bodies (H410) |
| Waste Disposal |
According to local regulations; incineration (hazardous waste); avoid release to environment (S61) |
SECTION 16: REGULATORY INFORMATION
| Region / Authority |
Status |
| EU REACH (EC 1907/2006) |
Active/Registered |
| Turkey KKDİK |
Registration required |
| USA TSCA |
Listed |
| USA OSHA |
Regulated; exposure monitoring method available |
| USA EPA |
Listed; regulated for environmental release |
| EU Cosmetics Regulation |
Not permitted (not listed for cosmetic applications) |
| EU Food Contact |
Not permitted |
| EINECS |
202-679-0 |
| Japan ENCS |
Listed |
| China IECSC |
Listed |
| Korea KECL |
Listed |
| Australia AICS |
Listed |
| Canada DSL |
Listed |
| GHS Classification |
GHS05, GHS08, GHS09 |
| California Prop 65 |
Not listed |
SECTION 17: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS
Basic Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Appearance |
White crystalline solid (flakes or pastilles) |
| Odor |
Phenolic, disinfectant-like |
| CAS |
98-54-4 |
| Formula |
C₁₀H₁₄O |
| Molecular Weight |
150.22 g/mol |
| Melting Point |
96 - 101 °C |
| Boiling Point |
236 - 238 °C |
| Water Solubility |
Low (~0.6 - 8.7 g/L) |
| Flash Point |
~113 °C |
| UN Number |
UN 3077 / UN 2430 |
| Primary Use |
Phenolic resin intermediate, epoxy hardener, rubber additive |
CRITICAL WARNINGS
-
Skin Sensitizer and Allergen: PTBP is a known contact allergen, particularly in p-tert-butylphenol-formaldehyde resin (PTBPFR) formulations. Major occupational exposure sources include neoprene glues, shoe/leather industry adhesives, and automotive applications .
-
Eye and Skin Irritant: Causes serious eye damage (H318) and skin irritation (H315). Protective equipment mandatory during handling .
-
Reproductive Toxicity (Suspected): Suspected of damaging fertility (H361f) . Handle with appropriate precautions.
-
Environmental Hazard: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410). Avoid release to the environment. Classified as marine pollutant and WGK 2 (hazardous to water) .
-
Formaldehyde Reactivity: Reacts with formaldehyde to form p-tert-butylphenol-formaldehyde resins (PTBPFR), which are widely used in industrial applications but are known contact sensitizers .
-
Color Sensitivity: Color gradually darkens upon exposure to light, heat, or air. Store in tightly closed containers away from direct sunlight .
-
Chemical Incompatibilities: Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing substances (hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, sulfides), strong bases (exothermic reaction), acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, copper, and steel .
-
Explosive Limit: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Keep away from ignition sources .
-
Regulatory Restrictions: Not permitted in cosmetic applications, food contact, or FDA-regulated consumer products. REACH registered and subject to environmental and occupational health regulations.
-
Transport Classification: Transported as UN 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s.) with Class 9 classification .
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is based on available scientific data. The user is solely responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all applicable local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with p-tert-butylphenol.
