phydroxyanisole

p-Hydroxyanisole, also known as 4-hydroxyanisole or para-hydroxyanisole, is an aromatic ether and phenol with the formula C7H8O2. It consists of a benzene ring bearing a methoxy substituent and a hydroxyl substituent in para relation to each other, and it can also be described as 4-methoxyphenol. It is one of the hydroxyanisole isomers, alongside the o- and m- forms.

Production and sources: It is available commercially as a chemical reagent and intermediate. It can be prepared by methylation of 4-hydroxyphenol or by other controlled synthetic routes from anisole-derived substrates. In industry, it is used as a building block for the synthesis of various substituted phenyl ethers and fragrance-related compounds.

Applications: The compound serves as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly for the preparation of flavor and fragrance molecules and other anisole derivatives. It is related to broader families of antioxidants and fragrances used in chemical research and product formulation.

Safety and handling: As a phenolic compound, p-hydroxyanisole can be an irritant to skin and eyes and may pose respiratory hazards if vapors are inhaled. It should be handled with appropriate protective equipment, in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and oxidizers. Standard chemical hygiene practices should be observed to minimize exposure and environmental release.

See also: Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA); anisole derivatives; phenols.

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