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Difference between p-cresol and benzyl alcohol
Basic structure and molecular formula of 1.
The molecular formula of cresol and benzyl alcohol is very similar, are by the benzene ring is connected to a hydroxyl or a methoxy compound. Specifically:
- cresol the molecular formula is C7H8O, and a methoxy group (-O-CH3) is attached to the benzene ring on the structure.
- Benzyl alcohol the molecular formula is C7H8O, and a hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the benzene ring on the structure.
Although the molecular formula is the same, the structural differences of the two compounds result in their significant differences in properties.
Comparison with 2. physical properties
1. Boiling point and density
- cresol the boiling point of is 197°C, the density is 1.124g/cm³, and the viscosity is high.
- Benzyl alcohol the boiling point of is 180°C, the density is 0.809g/cm³, and the viscosity is low.
The molecular structure of cresol makes it relatively viscous in the liquid state, while benzyl alcohol is thinner.
2. pH value and acidity and alkalinity
- cresol it is weakly acidic, and the pH value is about 2.9 in aqueous solution.
- Benzyl alcohol it is weakly alkaline, and the pH value is about 9.4 in aqueous solution.
This indicates that cresol has a stronger acidity, while benzyl alcohol exhibits a stronger basicity.
Differences in chemical properties of 3.
1. Hydrolysis capacity
cresol is easily hydrolyzed in aqueous solution to produce phenol and methane. Benzyl alcohol, on the other hand, is difficult to hydrolyze and maintains its original chemical properties.
2. Reactivity
the methoxy group of cresol has a strong activation effect, which makes it show high activity in many chemical reactions. The hydroxyl group of benzyl alcohol is relatively stable and the reaction activity is low.
Comparison of 4. uses
1. Industrial applications
- cresol commonly used in the manufacture of catalysts, solvents and pharmaceutical intermediates. Its application in the catalyst is particularly prominent, is an important raw material for many chemical reactions.
- Benzyl alcohol it is widely used in solvents, preservatives and spices and other industries. It has important uses in food and medicine.
2. Practical areas
cresol also has certain applications in the field of environmental protection, for example, as a raw material for some environmentally friendly materials. Benzyl alcohol is mainly used to make other derivatives, such as benzoic acid.
Comparison of 5. synthesis methods
1. Preparation of cresol
the cresol can be prepared by a cresolation reaction, and the specific steps include the reaction of phenol with methanol in the presence of a catalyst. Cresols can also be obtained by methoxylation of phenol.
2. Preparation of benzyl alcohol
the preparation method of benzyl alcohol is relatively simple, and can be obtained by the hydrolysis reaction of phenol and methanol, or by the dehydration reaction of methanol. It should be noted that the synthesis conditions of benzyl alcohol are relatively mild and the operation is relatively simple.
6. selection and application suggestions
in practical applications, the choice of cresol or benzyl alcohol needs to be determined according to specific needs. For example, in reactions requiring an acidic medium, cresol may be more suitable, while in reactions requiring a neutral or basic medium, benzyl alcohol may be more suitable.
The difficulty of synthesis of the two compounds is also different. The synthesis of benzyl alcohol is relatively simple, while the synthesis of cresol requires higher reaction temperatures and catalysts.
Conclusion
there are significant differences between cresol and benzyl alcohol in molecular structure, physical properties, chemical properties and uses. Understanding these differences helps in the correct selection and application of these two compounds in industrial production and scientific research. In the future, with the development of chemical industry, cresol and benzyl alcohol will play their unique role in more fields.
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