4-Vinylphenol: Properties, Characteristics, and Use in Industry

What is 4-Vinylphenol?

4-Vinylphenol stands out as an aromatic organic compound recognized for its blend of phenolic and vinyl functional groups. Bearing the molecular formula C₈H₈O and a molar mass of 120.15 g/mol, this substance falls under the class of vinylphenols. It typically appears in solid form at room temperature but sometimes takes on an off-white powder or crystalline structure, depending on how it's processed and stored. Some suppliers have offered it as flakes or pearls, and in certain controlled settings, chemists dissolve it into specialized solutions to suit analytical or production purposes. In its pure state, 4-Vinylphenol gives off a sharp, distinctive odor, similar to that found in some aged wines or certain industrial materials.

Physical and Chemical Properties

The compound features both a vinyl group and a phenol group, which come together in a way that shapes much of its reactivity and end use. 4-Vinylphenol’s structural formula, C₆H₄(OH)CH=CH₂, reflects the fused aromatic ring and the presence of a hydroxyl (OH) group. Density sits close to 1.144 g/cm³, with a melting point around 83–85°C and a boiling point averaging 220°C at standard atmospheric pressure. Solubility trends show moderate dissolution in warm water and many organic solvents, which paves the way for its application in polymer synthesis, adhesives, and coatings. The material itself behaves as a weak acid (due to the phenol group), prone to polymerizing under heat, light, or the presence of acids.

Forms and Specifications

Depending on intended use and supplier, 4-Vinylphenol may turn up as a white to light yellow crystalline solid, a fluffy powder, or irregular-shaped flakes. Labs and chemical plants sometimes opt for 4-Vinylphenol in solution form, most often dissolved in ethanol or other solvents to keep it easy to handle and to discourage spontaneous polymerization—a trait not uncommon among vinyl compounds. Sizing and purity requirements vary, but industrial-grade product generally falls within 98–99% purity, with highly controlled moisture and low residue on ignition. Some specifications track trace metals, residual solvents, and free acids, since these have repercussions for safety and performance further down the supply chain. Looking at shipment and storage, containers need tight sealing—moisture and oxygen exposure both cut down stability.

HS Code and Regulatory Concerns

International trade and regulation impose the HS (Harmonized System) code on chemicals like 4-Vinylphenol. It most often falls beneath 2907.19 or nearby classifications, which relate to phenol derivatives—companies and customs use these codes to standardize reporting, shipping, and tariff calculation. Any handler or importer should double-check the exact code with national databases or customs brokers, since misclassification can cause delays or unexpected costs. Besides customs, 4-Vinylphenol’s status as a hazardous chemical brings in requirements for labeling, documentation, and possibly registration under global treaties like REACH or TSCA in the U.S.

Safe Handling, Hazards, and Health

Anyone working around 4-Vinylphenol needs to take protective measures, as this chemical brings both health and safety hazards. It ranks as an irritant—a splash on the skin or in the eyes causes burning, and inhalation of dust or vapor can lead to throat discomfort, coughing, or potential respiratory effects. Oral toxicity exists as well, so cross-contamination in food or drink must be avoided at all costs in mixed-use facilities. The compound flirts with hazardous reactivity—it easily polymerizes, especially when exposed to acids, heat, or even traces of metal salts, and storage should keep the product cool, dark, and dry. For workers, goggles, nitrile gloves, and lab coats form the basic gear; local exhaust ventilation, spill kits, and fire extinguishers add a further layer of safety. Depending on jurisdiction, workplaces may need to post special signage and file reports with environmental safety authorities, as accidental releases can cause wider chemical exposure.

Industry Uses and Raw Material Role

4-Vinylphenol acts as a building block in the creation of advanced polymers, resins, and specialty additives. In the plastics sector, it goes into polystyrene modification and the production of polyvinylphenol resins, which find life in electronics, adhesives, and water-resistant coatings. Some laboratories use it as a chemical marker or reactant in synthesizing more complex aromatic compounds. It’s not unusual to spot traces of 4-Vinylphenol in biological samples—especially wines or beers—since fermentation pathways can create it alongside related phenolic compounds. In industry, though, it usually arrives through the decarboxylation of p-coumaric acid or via controlled catalytic reactions, and producers often focus on keeping side products and impurities to a minimum.

Storage, Disposal, and Environmental Impact

Like many reactive monomeric materials, 4-Vinylphenol requires careful storage in airtight, UV-resistant containers with clear labels. Drums, bottles, or fiberboard boxes may each serve, but manufacturers must monitor temperature and humidity, since accidental polymerization or hydrolysis poses both economic and physical safety threats. For disposal, companies follow hazardous waste guidelines, treating Decontaminated solid waste and contaminated cleaning agents as hazardous waste in line with EPA or local standards. Release into the environment raises red flags—not just because of direct toxicity, but also since the phenolic group can interface with aquatic ecosystems or disrupt biological systems. Spill SOPs, absorptive materials, and environmental monitoring programs all help minimize the risk of chemical contamination or public exposure.

Molecular Structure and Key Performance Traits

The defining feature of 4-Vinylphenol lies in its highly conjugated aromatic ring, augmented by both the OH and vinyl sidegroups. Chemists pay attention to the spatial arrangement—such structural nuances determine reactivity, compatibility in polymer matrices, and behavior under radiation or light exposure. Chemical bonds and electron density favor certain reactions over others. The vinyl side attracts free radicals and kickstarts polymerization, while the phenol moiety influences solubility and acid-base reactions. These features make 4-Vinylphenol both a sought-after raw material and a chemical that demands tight process control; too much polymerization during manufacturing or storage renders a batch useless, driving up costs and creating waste.

Potential Solutions and Future Directions

Looking forward, the chemical industry faces both pressure and opportunity when working with 4-Vinylphenol. Process engineers and chemists push for purer feedstocks and more controlled polymerization methods to wring out higher yields and better product quality. Recycling and recovery methods, including solvent reclamation and byproduct valorization, limit waste and reduce environmental harm. Technological innovations, like inline monitoring and automated dosing, shrink error margins and contribute to safer, more sustainable manufacturing. Where regulations press on toxicity or emissions, companies develop greener substitutes, though the unique properties of 4-Vinylphenol mean that some applications won’t easily swap in an alternative. Clear labeling, expanded worker training, and regular audits bring workplaces into compliance while decreasing health risks. Real progress grows from fine-tuning chemical processes, conscious material handling, and looking for synergy between safety, performance, and regulatory needs.