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Chemical product profile

HONGKUN / PRODUCT DIRECTORY

4-Ethylphenol | CAS 123-07-9

A para-ethyl phenol with a smoky phenolic aroma, used in fragrance work and investigated in wine and biomass model systems, where positional identity and trace-component composition matter.

CAS123-07-9
Molecular formulaC8H10O
Molecular weight122.16 g/mol

Product overview

An ethyl group sits opposite the hydroxyl on the aromatic ring. This distinguishes 4-ethylphenol from its ortho and meta isomers and from xylenols, which share the same molecular formula but carry two methyl groups. Its smoky phenolic character gives it a specific role in aroma evaluation. The material also appears in model studies of wine-related phenols and biomass-derived mixtures. Qualification should address the intended role: compositional control for synthesis, sensory consistency for fragrance development, or assigned purity and traceability for analytical work.

Chemical identity

Chemical name
4-Ethylphenol
CAS number
123-07-9
Molecular formula
C8H10O
Molecular weight
122.16 g/mol

Application context

Fragrance development uses the smoky character of 4-ethylphenol within a formulated composition. In wine research, it is a volatile phenol examined for its contribution to aroma and interactions with model matrices. Published liquid–liquid equilibrium studies also include it among compounds representing biomass-derived mixtures. These uses place different demands on the material. Specify whether the enquiry concerns a synthesis reagent, an aroma ingredient under qualification, or a reference substance for measurement. For analytical use, agree the purity assignment, uncertainty and calibration traceability required by the method.

Chemistry and synthetic role

The para relationship between ethyl and OH gives a two-substituent aromatic structure distinct from all dimethylphenols.

Quality review

Distinguish ethylphenols and xylenols

Use a chromatographic method that separates the relevant same-formula compounds.

Evaluate sensory consistency

Define a controlled formulation-based comparison for aroma projects.

Specify reference-material needs

For calibration, request purity assignment and traceability suited to the method.

Preparing a specification

Identify the para isomer and intended use; include GC composition and related phenols, plus sensory criteria or calibration traceability as appropriate.

Packaging and storage

Packaging and net weight are agreed for the selected grade, order quantity and destination. Check the actual supplier SDS and label for storage and transport requirements.

Documentation

Request a batch COA, SDS and the analytical methods for the acceptance criteria below. Confirm which supporting chromatograms and identity data are available from the selected manufacturer.

Procurement questions

Is C8H10O enough to identify this product?

No. Ethylphenols and xylenols can share that formula.

Can an odour description replace lot evaluation?

No; assess the selected lot under consistent formulation conditions.

Is a synthesis grade automatically a calibration standard?

Its assigned value and supporting documentation must first meet the analytical method.

Technical sources
  1. PubChem CID 31242NCBI / PubChem
  2. 4-Ethylphenol W315605Merck / Sigma-Aldrich
  3. A World of Fragrance, seventh editionMerck / Sigma-Aldrich
  4. Liquid–Liquid Equilibrium Measurements for Model Systems Related to Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of BiomassACS Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data