2,4,6-Trichlorophenol

Fungicide, bactericide, wood preservative, biocide, intermediate in production of higher chlorinated phenols.

Herbicide, defoliant, fungicide.

Preservative & disinfectant (as isomeric mixt), bactericide, germicide, & fungicide (as isomeric mixt), sanitizer (as isomeric mixt). (Former uses).

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol is no longer used in the United States. It was previously used as an antiseptic, a pesticide for wood, leather, and glue preservation, and as an anti-mildew treatment. It was also used in the manufacture of other chemicals.

Use classes: Pesticide transformation products.

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol is a synthetic, colorless crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water and soluble in organic solvents. It has been used primarily in pesticide formulations and as a wood preservative, although most uses have been cancelled in the US. When heated to decomposition, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol emits toxic and corrosive fumes of hydrochloric acid and other toxic gases. Exposure of humans to 2,4,6-trichrophenol via inhalation has been reported to cause respiratory effects, altered pulmonary function and pulmonary lesions. It is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

In the chlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol it has been found that traces of amine, onium salts, or triphenylphosphine oxide are excellent catalysts to further chlorination by chlorine in the ortho position with respect to the hydroxyl function. During chlorination (80 °C, without solvent) these catalysts cause traces of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (~500 - 1000 ppm) to be transformed into tetrachlorophenol.