m-Cresol

m-Cresol (3-methylphenol) is an organic compound and one of the three isomeric cresols. It appears as a colorless to light yellow viscous liquid with a characteristic tar-like odor. m-Cresol is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of chemicals such as pesticides (e.g., fenitrothion), synthetic vitamin E, antiseptics (e.g., amylmetacresol), and resins. In pharmaceuticals, it serves as an antimicrobial preservative in multi-dose peptide and protein formulations (notably insulin) and has topical dental antiseptic properties. Mechanistically, it acts as an antimicrobial agent by disrupting microbial cell membranes; at higher concentrations it can inhibit platelet aggregation via cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition[1][4][8]. It is also used industrially as a solvent for polymers.

Brand names

Lysol

Other names

3-methylphenolmeta-cresol3-hydroxytoluene