2,5-Dichlorophenol 2,5-DCP · CAS 583-78-8

What is 2,5-Dichlorophenol?

2,5-Dichlorophenol, also written 2,5-DCP, is a chlorinated phenol carrying two chlorine atoms on the benzene ring at the 2 and 5 positions, formula C₆H₄Cl₂O. At room temperature it is a white to light brown crystalline solid with a characteristic phenolic odour, melting around 57.8 °C and boiling near 222 °C.

Its commercial importance comes from its role as a synthesis intermediate: the phenolic hydroxyl and the two chlorine substituents give downstream chemists a versatile starting point for building more complex chlorinated and alkoxylated aromatic structures used in pharmaceuticals, pesticides and fungicides.

Commercially, it is produced by controlled chlorination of phenol or related precursors, isolating the 2,5-isomer from the mixture of positional dichlorophenols that the reaction can generate, then purifying to the target grade.

It ships as a toxic solid (Class 6.1) rather than under the flammable-liquid classifications common to many aromatic intermediates — handling follows standard toxic-solid precautions, with particular attention to dust control and skin contact.

Why 2,5-Dichlorophenol specifically

• A known herbicide-synthesis intermediate. 2,5-Dichlorophenol is of interest as an intermediate and biodegradation-related compound connected to chlorophenoxy herbicide chemistry.
• Reactive phenolic handle. The hydroxyl group supports etherification, esterification and further substitution reactions common in agrochemical and pharmaceutical routes.
• The specific substitution pattern some routes need. The 2,5-dichloro pattern is distinct from the 2,4-, 3,4- and other dichlorophenol isomers, and a route built around it requires this specific material.
• Established supply chemistry. Produced via well-understood phenol chlorination routes, giving predictable lead times against standing production capacity.

How 2,5-Dichlorophenol is Manufactured

2,5-Dichlorophenol is made through a controlled chlorination and isomer-separation sequence, so supply tracks installed chlorophenol capacity and isomer-splitting capability rather than a generic aromatics feedstock stream.

• Chlorination of phenol. Phenol (or a suitable chlorinated precursor) is chlorinated under controlled conditions, generating a mixture of dichlorophenol isomers.
• Isomer separation. The 2,5-dichlorophenol isomer is separated from the other positional isomers, typically by fractional distillation or crystallisation.
• Purification. The isolated isomer is purified to the target purity, typically 97–98% or better.
• Quality release. Melting point, GC purity and moisture content are confirmed against specification before the batch is released.
• Finishing and packing. The purified solid is milled or flaked as required and packed under standard toxic-solid handling conditions.

Typical Commercial Specification

Figures below are representative of commercial-grade 2,5-dichlorophenol. Tell us your downstream route and the grade you need, and we will advise on the specification to order against.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Behaviour in the process

2,5-Dichlorophenol's reactivity pattern is what synthesis chemists are buying:

• Phenolic reactivity. The hydroxyl group readily undergoes etherification and esterification, a common entry point into agrochemical intermediate chemistry.
• Electrophilic substitution. The ring, activated by the hydroxyl and deactivated by the two chlorines, directs further substitution to specific positions.
• Combustibility. Classed as probably combustible as a solid; standard ignition-source control applies during processing and milling.
• Dust handling. As a crystalline solid, dust generation during handling should be controlled with appropriate ventilation and PPE.

2,5-Dichlorophenol and Related Chlorophenols

2,5-Dichlorophenol is one of several dichlorophenol isomers, and the choice between them depends entirely on the substitution pattern the target synthesis needs.

Stated plainly: the choice of dichlorophenol isomer is dictated by the target molecule's exact substitution pattern — a route designed around the 2,5-pattern needs this specific isomer, and a different pattern requires a different starting material.

Industries We Supply 2,5-Dichlorophenol To

The same chlorophenol intermediate feeds a pharmaceutical intermediate plant, an agrochemical producer and a specialty-chemical manufacturer. What changes is the downstream chemistry and the documentation each requires.

Where 2,5-Dichlorophenol is Used

2,5-Dichlorophenol is bought almost entirely as a synthesis intermediate. These are the downstream chemistries our customers use it for.

In pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis

The phenolic hydroxyl is converted to ethers, esters or further substituted to build toward the target active ingredient. Isomer purity matters because a positional impurity carries through the synthesis and complicates purification of the final product.

In specialty-chemical synthesis

Outside pharma and agrochemicals, the same chlorinated phenolic fragment contributes to fine-chemical and performance-material products where chlorophenols are valued for their specific reactivity and substitution pattern.

Quality Control & Testing

Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with isomer purity and moisture content reported alongside the main assay because both affect downstream reaction yield.

• 2,5-Dichlorophenol content — by gas chromatography, the primary grade measure.
• Isomeric dichlorophenols — reported because positional isomer carry-over can affect downstream chemistry.
• Moisture content — measured because moisture can interfere with etherification and esterification reactions.
• Melting point — a fast purity and identity check.

Common Process Problems & Likely Causes

When this intermediate causes trouble, it is usually isomer carry-over or moisture. This table is the shortcut our technical desk works through before anyone opens a complaint file.

Packaging, Storage & Shipping

• Standard packing. Fibre drums or HDPE bags, typically 25 – 200 kg net, with larger bulk formats on contract supply.
• Moisture exclusion. Keep sealed and dry; moisture can affect downstream reactivity and cake formation in storage.
• Temperature control. Store at room temperature, away from direct sun and heat sources.
• Material compatibility. Avoid contact with acid chlorides, acid anhydrides and strong oxidisers.
• Shelf life. Stable in sealed, dry containers under normal storage conditions.
• Transport classification. UN 2020, toxic solid, aromatic, N.O.S., Class 6.1, Packing Group III. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.

Hazards & Safe Handling

2,5-Dichlorophenol is classified as corrosive and toxic. It is harmful if swallowed, causes burns, and is toxic to aquatic organisms with long-term effects, so standard toxic-solid precautions and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.

• Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are standard practice; rinse thoroughly with water on contact and seek medical advice for eye exposure.
• Ingestion. Harmful if swallowed; handle with standard laboratory hygiene and avoid dust inhalation.
• Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation and dust control when handling the crystalline solid.
• PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and, where dust is generated, a suitable respirator.
• Environment. Toxic to aquatic organisms with potential long-term effects; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

2,5-Dichlorophenol is a registered specialty chlorophenol shipped as a Class 6.1 toxic solid. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice — confirm your own position with your regulatory adviser.

• GHS classification. Classified as corrosive and toxic with aquatic hazard labelling; the SDS carries the full hazard statements for your grade.
• REACH and chemical inventories. Registered under EU REACH and listed on major chemical inventories.
• Dangerous goods transport. UN 2020, toxic solid, aromatic, N.O.S., Class 6.1, Packing Group III. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.
• HS code. Commonly declared under the halogenated phenol derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
• Quality agreements. Pharma and agrochemical producers commonly expect documented isomer purity and moisture limits and change control. Tell us what your agreement requires.

We Supply 2,5-Dichlorophenol Worldwide

Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship 2,5-Dichlorophenol from India and from partner sources to customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North and South America, handling the export documentation and freight so the material arrives ready to use.

• Incoterms. EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR and DAP quoted to suit your purchasing terms and freight arrangements.
• Ports. Regular shipments through Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, with other ports arranged as routing allows.
• Documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, COA and SDS issued as a complete set.
• Flexible volumes. From trial quantities up to repeat bulk shipments on a supply contract.
• Supply continuity. Because we are independent of any one producer, a plant turnaround or a shipping disruption at one source does not have to become your stock-out.

Buying 2,5-Dichlorophenol from Chelora

We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For this product that means settling three things at enquiry: the purity and isomer tolerance your chemistry needs, the packing format, and the quantity you are buying.

• Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA with purity, isomer content and moisture, plus the current SDS.
• Analysis before commitment. Representative analysis shared ahead of a commercial order so your lab can qualify the material.
• Quantities. Trial quantities through to larger bulk shipments on contract supply.
• Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
• Related chlorophenols. Other chlorinated phenol intermediates alongside this product from one supplier.

How ordering works

• Send the enquiry. Purity, quantity, destination port and the Incoterm you buy on. If you have a spec sheet, attach it — it saves a round trip.
• We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
• Qualify the supply. For first orders or pharma-grade applications, we share the analysis so your technical team can sign off before you commit.
• Confirm the order. Proforma invoice issued; payment terms agreed against the volume and the relationship.
• Allocation and QC. Material allocated and released against a batch-specific COA, with an independent inspection where the contract calls for it.
• Ship and document. Packed, labelled and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.

Related Chlorophenol & Aromatic Intermediates

Buyers of 2,5-dichlorophenol often source other chlorinated phenol and aromatic intermediates alongside it. Consolidating them cuts freight cost and gives you a single point of contact for documentation.