2-''tert''-Butyl phenol is an

organic compound Some chemical authorities define an organic compound as a chemical compound that contains a carbon–hydrogen or carbon–carbon bond; others consider an organic compound to be any chemical compound that contains carbon. For example, carbon-co ...

with the formula (CH₃)₃CC₆H₄OH. It is one of three isomeric ''tert''-butyl

phenol Phenol (also known as carbolic acid, phenolic acid, or benzenol) is an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula . It is a white crystalline solid that is volatile and can catch fire. The molecule consists of a phenyl group () ...

s. It is a colorless oil that dissolves in basic water. It can be prepared by acid-catalyzed

alkylation Alkylation is a chemical reaction that entails transfer of an alkyl group. The alkyl group may be transferred as an alkyl carbocation, a free radical, a carbanion, or a carbene (or their equivalents). Alkylating agents are reagents for effecting al ...

of phenol with

isobutene Isobutylene (or 2-methylpropene) is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula . It is a four-carbon branched alkene (olefin), one of the four isomers of butylene. It is a colorless flammable gas, and is of considerable industrial value. Productio ...

Uses

2-''tert''-Butylphenol is an intermediate in the industrial production of 2,6-di-''tert''-butylphenol, a common

antioxidant Antioxidants are Chemical compound, compounds that inhibit Redox, oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce Radical (chemistry), free radicals. Autoxidation leads to degradation of organic compounds, including living matter. Antioxidants ...

. Hydrogenation of 2-''tert''-butylphenol gives ''cis''-2-''tert''-butylcyclohexanol, which when acetylated is a commercial fragrance.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Butylphenol, 2-tert- Alkylphenols