3-Hydroxy-5-Methylbenzonitrile stands as a chemical compound with a distinct place in both research and manufacturing. In practice, people call it a raw material, an intermediate, even a specialty chemical, depending on how it's getting used. It comes with a straightforward molecular formula, C8H7NO, and it draws the interest of chemists thanks to its hydroxy and nitrile functional groups sitting on a methylated benzene ring. The combination sets the stage for a variety of reactions, making this chemical useful for folks working on everything from pharmaceuticals to agricultural chemicals.
Out of the bottle, 3-Hydroxy-5-Methylbenzonitrile usually turns up as a solid, sometimes flaked, sometimes in crystalline powder form, rarely in pearls. The material looks white or almost white, and you might notice a faint chemical odor if you open a drum of it in the lab. Its melting point sits around 126–130°C—enough so that heat won’t alter it during ordinary storage, but not so high that it becomes difficult to process in reactors or blend tanks. Solubility, that’s worth talking about: it dissolves in organic solvents like ethanol or acetone and barely at all in water, a property that shapes the kind of work you can do with it. I’ve found that density plays a role when scaling up reactions; 3-Hydroxy-5-Methylbenzonitrile clocks in at about 1.19 g/cm³, giving people an easy way to calculate quantities without resorting to guesswork.
Looking over the structure, the hydroxy group parked at the third position relative to the cyano group at the first carbon, and the methyl group nestled in at the fifth, set up an aromatic ring ready for substitution or further modification. These groups transform the basic benzonitrile skeleton into something more reactive in certain synthesis routes. Back in graduate school, I saw teams use it as a launching point for crafting larger molecules, stitching it onto frameworks for active pharmaceutical ingredients. The electron-withdrawing cyano group and the electron-donating hydroxy group shape the reactivity, helping chemists fine-tune reactions for higher selectivity.
People working in fine chemical labs, production lines, and R&D benches value 3-Hydroxy-5-Methylbenzonitrile for its versatility. Its role as a raw material stretches toward the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceutical intermediates, and advanced materials for electronics. Some companies lean on it for building agrochemical actives, counting on consistent quality and handling ease. Safety always shows up in these conversations. Though it can’t be called highly toxic, its classification as a hazardous chemical pushes handlers to treat it with respect: keep dust under control, wear gloves and goggles, rely on proper ventilation, because inhaling dust or getting it on your skin leads to irritation or worse. Storage sheds and labs keep it dry and away from incompatible agents like strong acids, alkalis, or oxidizers. I remember safety officers drilling everyone on the dangers of long-term exposure, since even mild chemicals add up if you stop paying attention.
Every delivery of 3-Hydroxy-5-Methylbenzonitrile should include an up-to-date certificate of analysis, covering purity (usually clocking in above 98%), appearance, melting point, loss on drying, and sometimes residue on ignition. Because regulations demand traceability, each drum gets tagged with the product’s HS Code—2926909090, a number used all over the world for tracking chemicals across customs and tariffs. You find this product packed in fiber drums, sealed bags, or high-grade glass, chosen to prevent moisture contamination or chemical attack. Orders can show up anywhere from a kilogram for small labs to metric tons for plants churning out intermediates for active ingredients. Getting specifics on transportation reveals its placement in the hazardous goods lists, and shippers follow strict hazmat rules by land, sea, or air. I’ve run into situations where a missing shipping doc held up delivery for days, so those details matter.
Environmental questions about 3-Hydroxy-5-Methylbenzonitrile come up more often in today’s world. Even with diligent handling, accidental releases can seep into water systems, so facilities tend to have spill response plans and waste collection designed to prevent run-off. Most suppliers offer guidance on treatment and disposal, but once in a while, companies lag behind on best practices. Safe methods rely on closed systems, air filters, well-labeled containers, and proper waste management protocols. For those worried about exposure, personal protective equipment and regular training go a long way, along with clear safety data sheets that explain what to do in case of a spill or fire.
Handling chemicals like 3-Hydroxy-5-Methylbenzonitrile means more than hitting quality specs or filling an order sheet. Each batch forms a connection in supply chains across multiple industries, touching research labs, pharmaceutical plants, and specialty chemical suppliers. As customers push for higher purity, lower contaminants, and better traceability, suppliers sharpen their quality control and document everything from origin to delivery. The chemical’s value grows when everyone puts health, environment, and safety up front—not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a baseline for sustainable production and long-term business.
