Dettol

Chloroxylenol

Names
Systematic IUPAC name 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol
Other names para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX), Dettol
Identifiers
CAS Number	88-04-0 Y
3D model (Jmol)	Interactive image Interactive image
Beilstein Reference	1862539
ChEBI	CHEBI:34393
ChEMBL	ChEMBL398440 N
ChemSpider	21106017 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.001.631
EC Number	201-793-8
KEGG	D03473 Y
MeSH	chloroxylenol
PubChem	2723
RTECS number	ZE6850000
UNII	0F32U78V2Q Y
InChI InChI=1S/C8H9ClO/c1-5-3-7(10)4-6(2)8(5)9/h3-4,10H,1-2H3 N Key: OSDLLIBGSJNGJE-UHFFFAOYSA-N N InChI=1/C8H9ClO/c1-5-3-7(10)4-6(2)8(5)9/h3-4,10H,1-2H3 Key: OSDLLIBGSJNGJE-UHFFFAOYAY
SMILES Cc1cc(O)cc(C)c1Cl CC1=CC(O)=CC(C)=C1Cl
Properties
Chemical formula	C8H9ClO
Molar mass	156.61 g·mol−1
Melting point	114 to 116 °C (237 to 241 °F; 387 to 389 K)
log P	3.377
Acidity (pKa)	9.76
Basicity (pKb)	4.24
Pharmacology
ATC code	D08AE05 (WHO)
Hazards
GHS pictograms
GHS signal word	WARNING
GHS hazard statements	H302, H315, H317, H319
GHS precautionary statements	P280, P305+351+338
EU classification (DSD)	Xn
R-phrases	R22, R36/38, R43
S-phrases	(S2), S24, S37
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Chloroxylenol, also known as para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX), is an antiseptic and disinfectant which is used for skin disinfection and cleaning surgical instruments. It is also used within a number of household disinfectants and wound cleaner. It is less effective than some other avaliable agents. It is available as a liquid.

Side effects are generally few but can include skin irritation. It may be used mixed with water or alcohol. Chloroxylenol is most effective against Gram-positive bacteria. It works by disruption of the cell wall and stopping the function of enzymes.

Chloroxylenol was first made in 1927. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about 2.00 to 6.20 USD per liter of 5% solution. It is sold in a number of formulations and under a number of brand names including Dettol.

It is used in hospitals and households for disinfection and sanitation. It is also commonly used in antibacterial soaps, wound-cleansing applications and household antiseptics such as Dettol liquid (to which it contributes its distinctive odor), cream and ointments.

Chloroxylenol is not significantly toxic to humans, is practically non-toxic to birds, and is moderately toxic to freshwater invertebrates. It is highly toxic to fish and cats and should not be used around them. It is a mild skin irritant and may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.