Alkylphenol

Alkylphenols are a family of organic compounds synthesized through the alkylation of phenols. The term includes several chemicals, the most commercially important of which are: propylphenol, butylphenol, amylphenol, heptylphenol, octylphenol, nonylphenol, dodecylphenol and Long Chain Alkylphenol (LCAP). Methylphenols and ethylphenols are also alkylphenols but they are more commonly referred to by their specific names, cresols and xylenols. The European Union has implemented sales and use restrictions on certain applications in which nonylphenols are used because of their alleged "toxicity, persistence, and the liability to bioaccumulate" but the United States EPA has taken a slower approach to make sure that action is based on "sound science". [http://pubs.acs.org/hotartcl/est/97/jul/euro.html European Bans on Surfactant Trigger Transatlantic Debate] ]

Alkylphenols are almost exclusively used as intermediate chemicals in the manufacture of other chemicals. Alkylphenols are used extensively in the detergent, fuel and lube additive, polymer additive, polymer manufacture, and phenolic resin industries. These compounds are also used as building block chemicals that are also used in making fragrances, thermoplastic elastomers, antioxidants, oil field chemicals and fire retardant materials. Through the downstream use in making alkylphenolic resins, alkylphenols are also found in tires, adhesives, coatings, carbonless copypaper and high performance rubber products. They have been used in industry for over 40 years.

These xenobiotic compounds are known, weak endocrine disruptors.

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