3-Ethylphenol

3-Ethylphenol is an organic compound with the formula C₂H₅C₆H₄OH. It is one of three isomeric ethylphenols. A colorless liquid, it occurs as an impurity in xylenols and as such is used in the production of commercial phenolic resins.

Production

3-Ethylphenol is produced by vigorous sulfonation of ethylbenzene, whereby initially produced 4-ethylphenylsulfonic acid converts to 3-ethylphenylsulfonic acid. The sulfonic acid is subsequently subjected to alkaline fusion, the dissolution of the sulfonic acid in molten alkali metal base. The main steps in the synthesis are shown:

3-Ethylphenol is found in urine samples of female elephants.
It is used as a photographic chemical intermediate and an intermediate for the cyan coupler of photographic paper.
It's a tsetse fly attractant. Therefore, it's a kairomone.