Record Information
Version2.0
Creation Date2009-03-06 18:58:15 UTC
Update Date2014-12-24 20:21:19 UTC
Accession NumberT3D0196
Identification
Common Nameo-Cresol
ClassSmall Molecule
Descriptiono-Cresol is a minor urinary metabolite of toluene, a widely used chemical with neurotoxicological properties. (3). o-Cresol is used commercially as a disinfectant. Exposure may occur by inhalation, by cutaneous adsorption or by oral ingestion. o-Cresol denature and precipitate cellular proteins and thus may rapidly cause poisoning. o-Cresol is metabolized by conjugation and oxidation. Ingestion of o-Cresol cause intense burning of mouth and throat, followed by marked abdominal pain and distress. The minimum lethal dose of cresol by mouth is about 2 g. (4).
Compound Type
  • Aromatic Hydrocarbon
  • Disinfectant
  • Food Toxin
  • Household Toxin
  • Industrial/Workplace Toxin
  • Metabolite
  • Natural Compound
  • Organic Compound
  • Pollutant
  • Solvent
Chemical Structure
Thumb
Synonyms
Synonym
1-Hydroxy-2-methylbenzene
1-Methyl-2-hydroxybenzene
2-Cresol
2-Hydroxytoluene
2-Methylphenol
O-Cresol
o-Cresylic acid
o-Hydroxytoluene
o-Methylphenol
o-Methylphenylol
o-Oxytoluene
o-Toluol
ortho-Cresylic acid
ortho-Hydroxytoluene
ortho-Methylphenol
ortho-Methylphenylol
ortho-Oxytoluene
ortho-Toluol
Chemical FormulaC7H8O
Average Molecular Mass108.138 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass108.058 g/mol
CAS Registry Number95-48-7
IUPAC Name2-methylphenol
Traditional Nameo-cresol
SMILESCC1=CC=CC=C1O
InChI IdentifierInChI=1S/C7H8O/c1-6-4-2-3-5-7(6)8/h2-5,8H,1H3
InChI KeyInChIKey=QWVGKYWNOKOFNN-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Chemical Taxonomy
Description belongs to the class of organic compounds known as ortho cresols. These are organic compounds containing an ortho-cresol moiety, which consists of a benzene bearing one hydroxyl group at ring positions 1 and 2, respectively.
KingdomOrganic compounds
Super ClassBenzenoids
ClassPhenols
Sub ClassCresols
Direct ParentOrtho cresols
Alternative Parents
Substituents
  • O-cresol
  • 1-hydroxy-4-unsubstituted benzenoid
  • 1-hydroxy-2-unsubstituted benzenoid
  • Toluene
  • Monocyclic benzene moiety
  • Organic oxygen compound
  • Hydrocarbon derivative
  • Organooxygen compound
  • Aromatic homomonocyclic compound
Molecular FrameworkAromatic homomonocyclic compounds
External Descriptors
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginEndogenous
Cellular Locations
  • Membrane
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
PathwaysNot Available
ApplicationsNot Available
Biological Roles
Chemical RolesNot Available
Physical Properties
StateSolid
AppearanceColorless solids or liquids.
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting Point29.8°C
Boiling Point191.5°C (376.7°F)
Solubility25.9 mg/mL at 25°C
LogP1.95
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
Water Solubility27.5 g/LALOGPS
logP1.89ALOGPS
logP2.18ChemAxon
logS-0.59ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Acidic)10.37ChemAxon
pKa (Strongest Basic)-5.5ChemAxon
Physiological Charge0ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count1ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count1ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area20.23 ŲChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count0ChemAxon
Refractivity33.08 m³·mol⁻¹ChemAxon
Polarizability11.83 ųChemAxon
Number of Rings1ChemAxon
Bioavailability1ChemAxon
Rule of FiveYesChemAxon
Ghose FilterYesChemAxon
Veber's RuleYesChemAxon
MDDR-like RuleYesChemAxon
Spectra
Spectra
Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyDeposition DateView
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-0a6r-9600000000-5a01d451557a1b35332a2017-09-12View Spectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-0pbi-9200000000-be9e6e56af8374e66beb2017-09-12View Spectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-0a4i-7900000000-c8eb63e9fe9da99fda0f2017-09-12View Spectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - GC-EI-TOF (Non-derivatized)splash10-00ko-5900000000-cef3087dea0c431cce4b2017-09-12View Spectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-0a6r-9600000000-5a01d451557a1b35332a2018-05-18View Spectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-0pbi-9200000000-be9e6e56af8374e66beb2018-05-18View Spectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-0a4i-7900000000-c8eb63e9fe9da99fda0f2018-05-18View Spectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - GC-EI-TOF (Non-derivatized)splash10-00ko-5900000000-cef3087dea0c431cce4b2018-05-18View Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, Positivesplash10-0a4i-6900000000-7ba7c816e0edce6b772f2016-09-22View Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (1 TMS) - 70eV, Positivesplash10-06di-7900000000-db9d20fae81c588496fe2017-10-06View Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot Available2021-10-12View Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot Available2021-10-12View Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - Quattro_QQQ 10V, Positive (Annotated)splash10-0a4i-5900000000-c7d0037b6de77737b7e42012-07-25View Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - Quattro_QQQ 25V, Positive (Annotated)splash10-0006-9000000000-151af99851311002a3fa2012-07-25View Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - Quattro_QQQ 40V, Positive (Annotated)splash10-03y3-9000000000-260e2bcf6f7dca1a3c9c2012-07-25View Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - EI-B (VARIAN MAT-44) , Positivesplash10-0a6r-9600000000-ac87a40c538d227b69152012-08-31View Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - EI-B (HITACHI RMU-6L) , Positivesplash10-0pbi-9200000000-be9e6e56af8374e66beb2012-08-31View Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - EI-B (HITACHI RMU-7M) , Positivesplash10-0a4i-7900000000-1a7cfac9452c2b14f9772012-08-31View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-0a4i-0900000000-5d6424b7db2e7e40d6d72016-09-12View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-0a4i-2900000000-e468ad1b8f28b32d72762016-09-12View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-0ufr-9000000000-2629c90f57b18d57c59d2016-09-12View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-0a4i-0900000000-8feea1e7288d5bc80ea52016-09-12View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-0a4i-0900000000-22006f43be347c9152922016-09-12View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-0a6u-9300000000-d3ec19098100f79d4ebd2016-09-12View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-0a4i-0900000000-3f09649991cc4cfcf1ec2021-09-22View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-0a4i-0900000000-3f09649991cc4cfcf1ec2021-09-22View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-0i03-9100000000-267c04454ade05650a342021-09-22View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-0a4i-2900000000-c580eec1345db0ab90452021-09-22View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-002f-9000000000-923877cbbb5c2a1edb9c2021-09-22View Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-016u-9000000000-09eba92f6442b1a88ad52021-09-22View Spectrum
MSMass Spectrum (Electron Ionization)splash10-0a4i-9800000000-c390212681445a7e27272014-09-20View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 600 MHz, H2O, experimental)Not Available2012-12-05View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 90 MHz, CDCl3, experimental)Not Available2014-09-20View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 25.16 MHz, CDCl3, experimental)Not Available2014-09-23View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, D2O, experimental)Not Available2016-10-22View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, D2O, experimental)Not Available2016-10-22View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 100 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 100 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 1000 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 1000 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 200 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 200 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 300 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 300 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 400 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 400 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 500 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 500 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 600 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 600 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 700 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 700 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 800 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 800 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 900 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 900 MHz, D2O, predicted)Not Available2021-09-25View Spectrum
2D NMR[1H, 13C]-HSQC NMR Spectrum (2D, 600 MHz, H2O, experimental)Not Available2012-12-05View Spectrum
Toxicity Profile
Route of ExposureOral (9) ; inhalation (9) ; dermal (9)
Mechanism of ToxicityTarget organs of ingested cresols in humans are the blood, kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, and central nervous system. Cresols impair the stratum corneum and produce coagulation necrosis by denaturating and precipitating proteins. They may also induce changes in neurotransmitter levels, affect the activities of some enzymes, increase lipid peroxidation, and change membrane fluidity in the brain. (9)
MetabolismCresols can be absorbed following inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure. Once in the body they can distribute rapidly into many organs and tissues. Cresols undergo oxidative metabolism in the liver and are rapidly eliminated, mostly in the urine, as sulfate or glucuronide conjugates. The activation of cresols by oxidation involves tyrosinase and thyroid peroxidase, forming a reactive quinone methide. Experiments with recombinant P-450s demonstrated cresol metabolism was mediated by several P-450s including CYP2D6, 2C19, 1A2, 1A1, and 2E1. (9, 1, 10, 2)
Toxicity ValuesLD50: 344 mg/kg (Oral, Mouse) (5) LD50: 179 mg/m3 (Inhalation, Mouse) (5) LD50: 620 mg/kg (Dermal, Mouse) (5)
Lethal DoseNot Available
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/SourcesCresols are used to as solvents, disinfectants and deodorizers, as well as to make other chemicals. They may be formed normally in the body from other compounds. Cresols are found in many foods and in wood and tobacco smoke, crude oil, coal tar, and in chemical mixtures used as wood preservatives. Small organisms in soil and water produce cresols when they break down materials in the environment. Breathing air containing cresols is the primary source of exposure. Exposure may also result from drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food and coming into contact with liquids containing cresols. (9)
Minimum Risk LevelIntermediate Oral: 0.1 mg/kg/day (7) Chronic Oral: 0.1 mg/kg/day (7)
Health EffectsCresols breathed, ingested, or applied to the skin at very high levels can be very harmful because they are corrosive substances. Ingestion of high levels results in mouth and throat burns, abdominal pain, vomiting, kidney problems, and effects on the blood and nervous system. Skin contact with high levels of cresols can burn the skin and damage the kidneys, liver, blood, lungs, and brain. Tachycardia, respiratory failure, unconsciousness and death may occur in both cases. Many of these effects may not by caused directly by cresols, but may be a result of secondary reactions to shock caused by external and internal burns. (8, 9)
SymptomsIngestion of cresols results in burning of the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Inhalation or dermal exposure to cresols can produce irritation and corrosion at the site of contact. (8)
TreatmentFollowing oral exposure, immediately dilute with 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 240 mL) of water or milk (not to exceed 4 ounces/120 mL in a child). Observe patients with ingestion carefully for the possible development of esophageal or gastrointestinal tract irritation or burns. If signs or symptoms of esophageal irritation or burns are present, consider endoscopy to determine the extent of injury. In case of hypotension, infuse isotonic fluid. If hypotension persists, administer dopamine or norepinephrine. In case of hypertension, monitor vital signs regularly. For mild/moderate asymptomatic hypertension (no end organ damage), pharmacologic treatment is generally not necessary. Following inhalation, move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. In case of acute lung injury, maintain ventilation and oxygenation and evaluate with frequent arterial blood gas or pulse oximetry monitoring. Early use of PEEP and mechanical ventilation may be needed. Following eye exposure, irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. Following dermal exposure, remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. Treat dermal irritation or burns with standard topical therapy. Patients developing dermal hypersensitivity reactions may require treatment with systemic or topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. (6)
Normal Concentrations
Not Available
Abnormal Concentrations
Not Available
DrugBank IDNot Available
HMDB IDHMDB02055
PubChem Compound ID335
ChEMBL IDCHEMBL46931
ChemSpider ID13835772
KEGG IDC01542
UniProt IDNot Available
OMIM ID
ChEBI ID28054
BioCyc IDCPD-109
CTD IDC034047
Stitch IDCresol, ortho-
PDB IDJZ0
ACToR ID1760
Wikipedia Linko-Cresol
References
Synthesis ReferenceNot Available
MSDSLink
General References
  1. Yan Z, Zhong HM, Maher N, Torres R, Leo GC, Caldwell GW, Huebert N: Bioactivation of 4-methylphenol (p-cresol) via cytochrome P450-mediated aromatic oxidation in human liver microsomes. Drug Metab Dispos. 2005 Dec;33(12):1867-76. Epub 2005 Sep 20. [16174805 ]
  2. Yokoi H, Belfort G: High-rate membrane supported aqueous-phase enzymatic conversion in organic solvent. Bioseparation. 1994 Jun;4(3):213-20. [7765181 ]
  3. Fustinoni S, Mercadante R, Campo L, Scibetta L, Valla C, Foa V: Determination of urinary ortho- and meta-cresol in humans by headspace SPME gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2005 Mar 25;817(2):309-17. [15687000 ]
  4. Boatto G, Nieddu M, Carta A, Pau A, Lorenzoni S, Manconi P, Serra D: Determination of phenol and o-cresol by GC/MS in a fatal poisoning case. Forensic Sci Int. 2004 Jan 28;139(2-3):191-4. [15040915 ]
  5. Lewis RJ Sr. (ed) (2004). Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc.
  6. Rumack BH (2009). POISINDEX(R) Information System. Englewood, CO: Micromedex, Inc. CCIS Volume 141, edition expires Aug, 2009.
  7. ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2001). Minimal Risk Levels (MRLs) for Hazardous Substances. U.S. Public Health Service in collaboration with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). [Link]
  8. International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) INCHEM (1996). Poison Information Monograph for Cresols. [Link]
  9. ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2008). Toxicological profile for cresols. U.S. Public Health Service in collaboration with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). [Link]
  10. Wikipedia. Sodium dichromate. Last Updated 25 May 2009. [Link]
Gene Regulation
Up-Regulated GenesNot Available
Down-Regulated GenesNot Available

Targets

General Function:
Not Available
Specific Function:
Keratin-binding protein required for epithelial cell polarization. Involved in apical junction complex (AJC) assembly via its interaction with PARD3. Required for ciliogenesis.
Gene Name:
FBF1
Uniprot ID:
Q8TES7
Molecular Weight:
125445.19 Da
References
  1. Ogata N, Shibata T: Binding of alkyl- and alkoxy-substituted simple phenolic compounds to human serum proteins. Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol. 2000;107(1-2):167-73. [11334365 ]
General Function:
Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase activity
Specific Function:
Converts arachidonate to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), a committed step in prostanoid synthesis. Involved in the constitutive production of prostanoids in particular in the stomach and platelets. In gastric epithelial cells, it is a key step in the generation of prostaglandins, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which plays an important role in cytoprotection. In platelets, it is involved in the generation of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), which promotes platelet activation and aggregation, vasoconstriction and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.
Gene Name:
PTGS1
Uniprot ID:
P23219
Molecular Weight:
68685.82 Da
References
  1. Chan CP, Yuan-Soon H, Wang YJ, Lan WH, Chen LI, Chen YJ, Lin BR, Chang MC, Jeng JH: Inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity, platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 production by two environmental toxicants: m- and o-cresol. Toxicology. 2005 Mar 1;208(1):95-104. [15664436 ]
General Function:
Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase activity
Specific Function:
Converts arachidonate to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), a committed step in prostanoid synthesis. Constitutively expressed in some tissues in physiological conditions, such as the endothelium, kidney and brain, and in pathological conditions, such as in cancer. PTGS2 is responsible for production of inflammatory prostaglandins. Up-regulation of PTGS2 is also associated with increased cell adhesion, phenotypic changes, resistance to apoptosis and tumor angiogenesis. In cancer cells, PTGS2 is a key step in the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which plays important roles in modulating motility, proliferation and resistance to apoptosis.
Gene Name:
PTGS2
Uniprot ID:
P35354
Molecular Weight:
68995.625 Da
References
  1. Chan CP, Yuan-Soon H, Wang YJ, Lan WH, Chen LI, Chen YJ, Lin BR, Chang MC, Jeng JH: Inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity, platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 production by two environmental toxicants: m- and o-cresol. Toxicology. 2005 Mar 1;208(1):95-104. [15664436 ]