Para-chloro meta-cresol

4-chloro-1-hydroxy-3-methyl white or slightly pink crystals, benzene phenolic odor and soluble in 

Para-chloro meta-cresol (PCMC), an antibacterial, antimold agent is prepared by chlorination of meta-cresol using SO2CI2. 

PCMC has completely replaced pentachlorophenol in the leather industry, particularly as an antimold agent, during chrome tanning of leather. In fact, pentachlorophenol has 

Bayer AG, Germany used to be the key manufacturer of PCMC and its formulations. However, most of the countries including Germany have decided to procure the material from developing countries. There is substantial cattle population in Australia, Newzealand, Pakistan, W. Europe, USA and of course in India. Because of significant production of hides and skins, PCMC has proved to be extremely popular in these countries. World demand has been estimated at 500 tpa for PCMC and its formulations. 

India is a major producer of PCMC. It has been reported that Indian companies such as Benzochem, United Chemicals, etc. collectively produce 200-250 tpa PCMC. Most of the material is exported to the USA and W. Europe (Germany, Italy, UK, etc.). Indian demand is around 30-40 tpa. Atul does not produce PCMC, however, Atul supplies PCMC to the world market including India as a merchant exporter (to Pakistan, USA, etc.) and supplier. It is currently selling at 8/kg. Four to five percent p.a growth has been projected for this material 

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The disinfectant, bactericidal and fungicidal properties of individual cresols and mixed cresol or cresylic acids had been well known for the last 60 years or so. So much so that within the recommended doses as prescribed by WHO cresols were used in the manufacture of carbolic soaps. Cresols were also used in place of phenol as disinfectant in domestic applications. They were also used as wood preservatives. As mentioned earlier para-chloro-meta-cresol is now one of the preferred preservatives for leather goods. 

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