INTRODUCTION

2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol (DCBA) is a member of the class of Benzyl alcohols in which the hydrogens at positions 2 and 4 are replaced by chlorines. Its effectiveness against a broad spectrum of pathogens makes it a valuable ingredient in antiseptic products.

Manufacture

Produced through a two-stage reaction, the first stage involves reacting 2,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride with a water-soluble salt of an organic acid in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst to form the 2,4-dichlorobenzyl ester of the organic acid.  The second stage involves hydrolysing this ester with a strong base to yield 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (DCBA)

Synonyms2,4-Dichlorophenyl)methanol;
2,4-Dichlorobenzenemethanol
CAS no.1777-82-8
EINECS no.217-210-5
Molecular formulaC7H6Cl2O
Molecular weight177.03
Structure

Applications

DCBA is a compound with notable biological activity, particularly in the field of antimicrobial and antiviral applications. It is often combined with other agents, such as Amylmetacresol (AMC), to enhance its antimicrobial efficacy. 

Medicinal Applications

DCBA has been incorporated into formulations such as throat lozenges and sprays, where it acts as a virucidal agent against respiratory viruses. DCBA significantly reduces throat soreness and provide pain relief.
Due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial & antifungal activity it is used in several topical  and cosmetic preparations.
DCBA is used in vaginal and rectal formulations  specifically acting as virucidal in HIV and SARS-CoV infections.

Chemical Reactions

DCBA undergoes various chemical reactions such as oxidation, reduction and substitution to facilitate production of compounds such as;
– Dichlorobenzaldehyde
– Dichlorotoluene 
– Various substituted benzyl alcohols depending on the nucleophile used.

SPECIFICATIONS

TestUnitSpecifications
DescriptionWhite or almost white crystalline powder
SolubilityVery slightly soluble in water, very soluble in ethanol (96%)
Identification (By IR)The IR spectrum of the sample should be concordant with the standard spectrum of 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol
Melting Point°CAbout 59.0
Water Content%NMT 0.2
Sulphated Ash%NMT 0.1
Related Substance (HPLC)
Impurity A%NMT 0.10
Impurity B%NMT 0.10
Impurity C%NMT 0.10
Impurity D%NMT 0.10
Impurity E%NMT 0.10
Impurity F%NMT 0.10
Impurity G%NMT 0.10
Unspecified maximum Impurity%NMT 0.10
Total Impurity%NMT 0.30
Assay (By HPLC)  (on anhydrous basis)%98.0 – 102.0
Additional Test
Impurity (By HPLC) 2,4Dichlorotoluene%NMT 0.10
Residual Solvent
Cyclohexane
ppmNMT 3000 ppm
Diethylene GlycolppmNMT 1000 ppm

STORAGE & PRECAUTION

Store in cool, dry place out of direct sunlight in tightly sealed containers.

PACKING

25 Kg HDPE Drums

REGISTRATION / CERTIFICATION

c-GMP

REACH Status

Not registered

ExSyn offers 2,4 Dichlorobenzyl alcohol on commercial scales and welcomes enquiries. No matter the quantity you need, our exceptional quality and service will make ExSyn your supplier of choice! If you need any additional information or SDS, please contact us.

More Products
In focus: Lycopene
Products in focus · 15/07/2025

Fungal Lycopene is an acyclic carotene belonging to a large group of naturally-occurring pigments known as carotenoids. It contains at least 90% of all-trans-lycopene and minor quantities of 13-cis-lycopene and β- and γ-carotene. It is used as an intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway of β-carotene. Its role in the pharmaceutical and food industries stems from its demonstrated health benefits—such as anticancer and cardiovascular protection—alongside its widespread use as a natural food colorant.

READ MORE
In focus: Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) High Purity
Products in focus · 08/07/2025

Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) is a high-purity chemical compound, typically exceeding 99.8% purity, widely valued for its use as a solvent and as an additive in fuels. It finds applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing, agrochemical and polymer production, as well as a solvent in extraction and recrystallization processes.

READ MORE
In focus: Berberine Hydrochloride
Products in focus · 01/07/2025

Berberine Hydrochloride is a yellow isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from various plants such as Berberis aristata, Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread), and Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal). Berberine offered by ExSyn is from Berberis aristata. It is most commonly used in its hydrochloride salt form due to its better solubility and bioavailability. It is widely known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties, and has gained popularity in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

READ MORE
In focus: Bromobenzene – d5
Products in focus · 24/06/2025

Bromobenzene-d5 is a perdeuterated form of bromobenzene(C6H5Br),  meaning all five hydrogen atoms in the benzene ring are replaced with deuterium (a stable isotope of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron). It is used as a stable isotope labeled compound, primarily in electronics industry, specifically in the production of OLED displays, in research applications, particularly in NMR spectroscopy and as a raw material in organic synthesis.

READ MORE
In focus: 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl Methacrylate (Stabilized with MEHQ)
Products in focus · 17/06/2025

2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl Methacrylate (TFEMA) is a specialty methacrylate monomer featuring a trifluoromethyl (-CF₃) group. It is a colorless, highly reactive liquid stabilized with MEHQ. This compound is widely used in the synthesis of high-performance fluorinated polymers and TFEMA a valuable component in advanced applications such as protective coatings, optical materials, adhesives, electronics, and biomedical devices.

READ MORE
In focus: Ginkgo Biloba Extract 24%
Products in focus · 10/06/2025

Ginkgo Biloba 24% extract is a standardized herbal formulation derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, one of the oldest living tree species. The “24%” typically refers to the content of flavone glycosides, while the product may also contain 6% terpene lactones. These active constituents are responsible for its medicinal properties.

READ MORE
In focus: 1,3-Dibromopropane
Products in focus · 03/06/2025

1,3-Dibromopropane is an organobromine compound.  A bifunctional alkyl halide, it has two bromine leaving groups that can participate in substitution or elimination reactions. It is widely used as a an intermediate in production of wide range of products including pharmaceuticals, insecticides, quaternary Ammonium compounds, flavouring agents ,fragrances and in polymer chemistry.

READ MORE
In focus: Tributyltin Hydride (Stabilized with BHT)
Products in focus · 27/05/2025

Tributyltin Hydride (TBT-H) stabilized with BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a tin-based organometallic compound commonly used in organic synthesis, especially in radical reactions. It is air-sensitive and decomposes to tributyltin oxide in  presence of oxygen and light. It works by donating a hydrogen radical (H·) to a carbon radical intermediate.

READ MORE
In focus: Sodium Chloro Acetate
Products in focus · 20/05/2025

Sodium chloroacetate (chemical formula: CH₂ClCO₂Na) is a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and organic solvents like ethanol, chloroform, ether, and benzene. It is the sodium salt of chloroacetic acid and is prepared by treating chloroacetic acid with sodium carbonate

READ MORE