Appearance yellow solid | Formula C7H6N2O5 | |
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Dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC) is an organic compound with the structural formula CH3C6H2(NO2)2OH. It is a yellow solid that is only slightly soluble in water. DNOC and some related derivatives have been used as herbicides.
Contents
Preparation
This compound is prepared by dinitration of o-cresol. The resulting disulfonate is then treated with nitric acid to give DNOC. A variety of related derivatives are known including those where the methyl group is replaced by sec-butyl ("dinoseb"), tert-butyl ("dinoterb"), and 1-methylheptyl ("dinocap"). These are prepared by the direct nitration of the alkyphenols.
Applications and safety
This toxicant interferes with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.
Symptoms of dinitro-ortho-cresol poisoning, due to ingestion or other forms of exposure, include confusion, headache, shortness of breath, and sweating.