TCI E0161 3-Ethylphenol is the meta isomer of ethylphenol, in which the ethyl group sits at the third position relative to the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring. The compound belongs to the family of non-heterocyclic building blocks and is used in the laboratory as a synthetic starting material, an analytical reference compound, and a model substrate in studies of phenol chemistry. Because the meta isomer is encountered less often than the para isomer, its availability matters to researchers who want to complete a full set of isomers within one systematic experiment, or who need to confirm the identity of a reaction product without any residual doubt.
The property that makes this material sought after is its distinctive reaction-directing pattern. At the meta position, the ethyl group creates no direct steric hindrance around the hydroxyl group, yet its electronic influence on the ring produces an electron density distribution that differs from that of the ortho and para isomers. As a consequence, the preferred site of attack in electrophilic substitution reactions, the acidity of the phenolic group, and the chromatographic retention behaviour of the molecule all differ as well. These differences are precisely the value of the compound, because they give the researcher a clear point of comparison when interpreting experimental data.
In Indonesian laboratories, 3-ethylphenol is typically handled in university research groups, analytical service laboratories, and industrial R&D units working on organic synthesis and phenol chemistry. It is drawn on when an isomer series must be assembled for a comparative study, when a substituted phenol standard is needed to anchor an analytical identification, or when a model substrate is required to probe substitution behaviour before a method is applied to a more valuable target molecule.
- Organic synthesis starting material: the free phenolic hydroxyl and the meta-substituted ring together provide a defined, reactive scaffold from which more elaborate substituted aromatic structures can be built.
- Analytical reference compound: a well-characterised meta isomer allows an analyst to confirm peak identity with certainty rather than relying on assumption when several ethylphenol isomers could plausibly be present.
- Isomer comparison studies: including the meta isomer alongside ortho and para members completes the series, so that positional effects can be assessed systematically within a single controlled experiment.
- Electrophilic substitution model substrate: the distinct electron density distribution of the meta arrangement makes the compound useful for demonstrating and probing how substituent position governs the site of attack.
- Chromatographic method development: because the retention behaviour of the meta isomer differs from the other isomers, it serves as a demanding test compound when separation conditions must resolve closely related species.
| Brand | TCI (Tokyo Chemical Industry) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 620-17-7 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Chemistry > Building Blocks > Non-Heterocyclic Building Blocks |
| Pack sizes | — |
| Physical form | — |
| Storage | keep in a tightly closed original container, protected from light and heat; refer to the manufacturer's label and safety data sheet for the specific conditions applicable to the pack received |
- Chemical name: 3-Ethylphenol
- Catalogue code: E0161
Store the container tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong oxidising agents. Keep the material in its original manufacturer container wherever possible, since the closure and labelling are matched to the contents; if transfer is necessary, use chemically compatible glassware with a secure seal and label it clearly. Handle inside a fume hood, wearing safety glasses, chemically resistant gloves, and a laboratory coat, as phenolic compounds can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. Avoid generating vapour or aerosol, keep the working area clean, and always consult the manufacturer's safety data sheet before first use.
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