2,3,5-Trimethylphenol — Key Vitamin E (α-Tocopherol) Intermediate (≥99% GC Pharma/Food Grade & ≥98% Technical Grade) Supplier
2,3,5-Trimethylphenol (CAS 697-82-5, C₉H₁₂O, MW 136.19 g/mol) — the critical aromatic precursor to synthetic vitamin E (α-tocopherol), the world’s largest-volume fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin. The 2,3,5-substitution pattern is essential for vitamin E biological activity — no other isomer produces bioactive α-tocopherol. The industrial pathway: 2,3,5-trimethylphenol → catalytic oxidation → trimethylhydroquinone (TMHQ) → Friedel-Crafts alkylation with isophytol → α-tocopherol. Available in Pharma/Food Intermediate Grade (≥99% GC) and Technical Grade (≥98% GC). ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA, HALAL, KOSHER certified. Bulk manufacturer and wholesale supplier — premium 2,3,5-trimethylphenol from UPOR Biotech.
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2,3,5-Trimethylphenol (synonyms: 1-Hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethylbenzene, Isopseudocumenol, CAS 697-82-5, C₉H₁₂O, MW 136.19 g/mol, EINECS 211-799-0) is a trimethyl-substituted phenol that serves as the indispensable aromatic precursor for industrial vitamin E (α-tocopherol) synthesis — the world’s largest-volume fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin with a global market exceeding 75,000 metric tons annually. 2,3,5-Trimethylphenol carries three methyl groups at the 2-, 3-, and 5-positions of the phenolic ring — a substitution pattern that is biologically mandatory because the chromanol ring of α-tocopherol requires methyl substituents at positions 2, 5, 7, and 8 for full vitamin E biological activity. Three of these four methyl groups originate directly from the 2,3,5-trimethylphenol starting material, making it the single irreplaceable aromatic building block in the industrial synthesis. The validated industrial pathway proceeds through a three-step cascade: (1) Catalytic oxidation of 2,3,5-trimethylphenol to 2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone (TMHQ) using oxygen or hydrogen peroxide over heterogeneous catalysts, (2) Friedel-Crafts alkylation of TMHQ with isophytol — a C₂₀ diterpene alcohol — catalyzed by Lewis or Bronsted acids (BF₃, ZnCl₂, or acidic ion-exchange resins), directly forming α-tocopherol, and (3) High-vacuum distillation to pharmaceutical/food-grade purity (≥96% per USP/EP/BP monographs). Overall process yields typically exceed 85% at industrial multi-thousand-ton scale.
Beyond vitamin E synthesis, 2,3,5-trimethylphenol and its derivatives serve as versatile intermediates for lipid-soluble antioxidants used in food preservation, animal feed stabilization, and cosmetic formulations. The trimethylphenol scaffold also appears in fragrance and flavor chemical precursors, pharmaceutical intermediates, and specialty polymer additives. UPOR Biotech provides 2,3,5-trimethylphenol in two grades: Pharma/Food Intermediate Grade (≥99% GC) with comprehensive regulatory documentation, and Technical Grade (≥98% GC) for cost-sensitive industrial applications. As a leading 2,3,5-trimethylphenol manufacturer and bulk supplier, UPOR Biotech serves vitamin E producers, antioxidant manufacturers, fragrance chemical companies, and specialty chemical formulators worldwide. OEM and contract manufacturing available with flexible MOQ starting at 1 kg. Free sample available for qualified B2B buyers. Every shipment includes full documentation: COA, MSDS, GC chromatogram, IR spectrum, and stability data.
The Vitamin E Synthesis Pathway — Why 2,3,5-Trimethylphenol Is the Irreplaceable α-Tocopherol Precursor
Industrial α-tocopherol production follows a three-step cascade with 2,3,5-trimethylphenol as the sole aromatic starting material. Step 1 — Catalytic Oxidation: 2,3,5-Trimethylphenol is oxidized to 2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone (TMHQ) using O₂ or H₂O₂ over a heterogeneous catalyst. The 2,3,5-methyl substitution pattern — three of the four methyl groups needed by the chromanol ring — is preserved quantitatively. Step 2 — Friedel-Crafts Alkylation: TMHQ is coupled with isophytol (C₂₀ unsaturated diterpene alcohol) via acid-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts alkylation, forming α-tocopherol through C–C bond formation. This condensation is the key C–C bond-forming step, typically catalyzed by BF₃, ZnCl₂, or acidic ion-exchange resins, with yields >90%. Step 3 — Purification: Crude α-tocopherol is purified by high-vacuum short-path distillation to ≥96% purity per USP/EP/BP monographs. Why 2,3,5 matters: The chromanol ring requires methyl groups at positions 2, 5, 7, and 8 for full vitamin E bioactivity. 2,3,5-Trimethylphenol provides three of these four (positions 5, 7, and 8) pre-positioned on the aromatic ring. Any other substitution pattern — e.g., 2,4,6-trimethylphenol or 3,4,5-trimethylphenol — produces an isomer with drastically reduced or absent vitamin E activity. This makes 2,3,5-trimethylphenol the single irreplaceable aromatic precursor for industrial α-tocopherol, with no commercially viable alternative. UPOR Biotech supplies ≥99% GC purity 2,3,5-trimethylphenol with full documentation for vitamin E manufacturers worldwide.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | 2,3,5-Trimethylphenol — Pharma/Food Intermediate Grade (≥99% GC) / Technical Grade (≥98% GC) |
| Common Name / Synonyms | 2,3,5-Trimethylphenol; 1-Hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethylbenzene; Isopseudocumenol; Vitamin E intermediate; 2,3,5-TMP |
| CAS Number | 697-82-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₉H₁₂O |
| Molecular Weight | 136.19 g/mol |
| EINECS | 211-799-0 |
| Source | Synthetic — produced via selective methylation of phenol or m-cresol routes; fully synthetic, no botanical or animal-derived raw materials |
| Key Advantage | The irreplaceable aromatic precursor for industrial vitamin E (α-tocopherol) synthesis. The 2,3,5-substitution pattern provides three of four methyl groups required for vitamin E biological activity — no other isomer produces bioactive α-tocopherol. |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder or crystalline solid |
| Assay (Pharma/Food Intermediate Grade) | ≥99.0% (GC, anhydrous basis) |
| Assay (Technical Grade) | ≥98.0% (GC, anhydrous basis) |
| Melting Point | 92 – 96°C |
| Boiling Point | 233 – 235°C (at 760 mmHg) |
| Flash Point | 101°C (closed cup) |
| Identification | GC retention time matches 2,3,5-trimethylphenol reference standard; IR spectrum conforms to reference spectrum; melting point 92–96°C |
| Isomer Purity (2,3,5- vs other TMP isomers) | ≥99.5% 2,3,5-isomer by GC (Pharma/Food grade); ≥98.5% (Technical grade) — absence of 2,4,6- and 3,4,5-isomers confirmed |
| Loss on Drying | ≤0.5% (60°C, vacuum, 4 hours) |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, and most organic solvents; slightly soluble in water (~0.5 g/L at 25°C) |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | ≤10 ppm (as Pb) |
| Elemental Impurities | Pb ≤2 ppm; As ≤1 ppm; Hg ≤1 ppm; Cd ≤1 ppm (USP <232> / ICH Q3D compliant) |
| Residual Solvents | USP <467> / ICH Q3C Class 3 compliant |
| Microbial Limits (Pharma/Food Grade) | TAMC ≤100 CFU/g; TYMC ≤10 CFU/g (USP <61> / EP <2.6.12>); Pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa) — Absent in 10 g (USP <62> / EP <2.6.13>) |
| Grade / Standards | Pharma/Food Intermediate Grade (≥99% GC) / Technical Grade (≥98% GC) |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA Facility Registration, HALAL, KOSHER, Non-GMO, BSE/TSE-Free |
| Packaging | 1 kg / 5 kg / 10 kg sealed aluminum foil bags with PE liner; 25 kg / 50 kg fiber drums with double PE liner; custom packaging available upon request |
| Storage | 15 – 25°C, tightly sealed in original container, protect from light and moisture; store under inert atmosphere (N₂) for long-term stability |
| Shelf Life | 2 years from date of manufacture under recommended storage conditions |
Key Benefits — 2,3,5-Trimethylphenol
The Critical Vitamin E Precursor — Mandatory 2,3,5-Substitution Pattern
2,3,5-Trimethylphenol is THE essential aromatic intermediate for synthetic α-tocopherol — the world’s largest-volume fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin (>75,000 MT/year). Three of four methyl groups on the vitamin E chromanol ring originate from 2,3,5-TMP. No other isomer produces bioactive α-tocopherol.
Essential PrecursorIndustrially Validated at Multi-Thousand-Ton Scale — Proven Synthesis Pathway
The 2,3,5-TMP → TMHQ → α-tocopherol cascade is proven at industrial scale worldwide with overall yields >85%. Validated heterogeneous catalytic oxidation and Friedel-Crafts alkylation chemistry. Reliable, reproducible, and economically optimized for bulk vitamin E production.
Industrial ScaleDual-Grade Supply — ≥99% GC Pharma/Food & ≥98% Technical with Full Documentation
Pharma/Food Intermediate Grade (≥99% GC) with comprehensive impurity profiling, residual solvent analysis, and microbiological testing for regulated applications. Technical Grade (≥98% GC) for cost-optimized industrial use. Both grades with COA, MSDS, GC chromatogram, IR spectrum, and stability data.
≥99% GCVersatile Intermediate Beyond Vitamin E — Antioxidants, Fragrances & Specialty Chemicals
Beyond α-tocopherol, 2,3,5-TMP serves as a building block for lipid-soluble antioxidants (food, feed, cosmetics), fragrance/flavor chemical precursors, pharmaceutical intermediates, and specialty polymer additives. Multi-market applicability maximizes supply chain value.
Multi-ApplicationApplications
Vitamin E (α-Tocopherol) Production — Primary Industrial Application
The dominant application: 2,3,5-TMP → catalytic oxidation → TMHQ → Friedel-Crafts alkylation with isophytol → α-tocopherol. Supports >75,000 MT/year global vitamin E market across pharmaceutical, food, feed, and cosmetic segments. Bulk supply available for vitamin E manufacturers worldwide.
2,3,5-Trimethylhydroquinone (TMHQ) Synthesis
2,3,5-TMP is the direct precursor to TMHQ — the immediate intermediate in vitamin E synthesis. TMHQ is also a standalone antioxidant intermediate used in food preservation, polymer stabilization, and specialty chemical synthesis. Available as an isolated intermediate or integrated into the full α-tocopherol supply chain.
Lipid-Soluble Antioxidants for Food, Feed & Cosmetics
2,3,5-TMP derivatives serve as building blocks for fat-soluble antioxidant systems preserving edible oils, animal feed formulations, and cosmetic products. The trimethylphenol scaffold provides oxidative stability and radical-scavenging activity. Growing demand for synthetic antioxidants in emerging-market food and feed sectors.
Fragrance & Flavor Chemical Precursors
The trimethylphenol scaffold appears in various fragrance chemicals and odorant molecules used in perfumery, personal care products, and flavor applications. 2,3,5-TMP serves as a versatile aromatic starting material for specialty fragrance intermediate synthesis.
Pharmaceutical Intermediate & Drug Discovery Scaffold
Beyond vitamin E, the 2,3,5-trimethylphenyl moiety serves as a pharmacophore scaffold in drug discovery and pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis. The specific substitution pattern enables selective functionalization for medicinal chemistry applications. Pharma/Food grade (≥99% GC) with full regulatory documentation.
Specialty Chemical & Polymer Additives
2,3,5-TMP derivatives are used in specialty antioxidant synthesis for polymers, lubricants, and industrial fluids. The hindered phenolic structure provides thermal and oxidative stabilization in high-temperature applications. Custom packaging and bulk supply available for industrial chemical manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
2,3,5-Trimethylphenol (CAS 697-82-5, C₉H₁₂O, MW 136.19 g/mol), also known as 1-hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethylbenzene or isopseudocumenol, is a trimethyl-substituted phenol that serves as THE critical aromatic precursor for industrial α-tocopherol (vitamin E) synthesis. The 2,3,5-substitution pattern is biologically mandatory because the chromanol ring of vitamin E requires methyl groups at positions 2, 5, 7, and 8 for full biological activity — three of these four methyl groups originate directly from the 2,3,5-trimethylphenol starting material. Any other substitution pattern — e.g., 2,4,6-trimethylphenol or 3,4,5-trimethylphenol — produces an isomer with drastically reduced or absent vitamin E activity. This makes 2,3,5-trimethylphenol the single irreplaceable aromatic precursor for industrial α-tocopherol production, with no commercially viable alternative. UPOR Biotech supplies 2,3,5-trimethylphenol at ≥99% GC purity (Pharma/Food Intermediate Grade) and ≥98% GC (Technical Grade) with full documentation, regulatory support, and global logistics.
The industrial synthesis of α-tocopherol from 2,3,5-trimethylphenol proceeds through a validated three-step cascade with overall yields typically exceeding 85% at multi-thousand-ton scale. Step 1 — Catalytic Oxidation: 2,3,5-Trimethylphenol is oxidized to 2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone (TMHQ) using molecular oxygen or hydrogen peroxide over a heterogeneous catalyst — typically supported noble metals (Pt, Pd) or metal oxides. The 2,3,5-methyl substitution pattern is preserved quantitatively during oxidation. Reaction conditions: 40–80°C, atmospheric or mild pressure, organic solvent (e.g., methanol, ethanol). Step 2 — Friedel-Crafts Alkylation: TMHQ is coupled with isophytol (C₂₀ unsaturated diterpene alcohol) via acid-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts alkylation, forming α-tocopherol through C–C bond formation at the para position relative to one hydroxyl group. Typical catalysts: BF₃·Et₂O, ZnCl₂, or acidic ion-exchange resins. Reaction conditions: 80–120°C, inert atmosphere, yields >90% to crude α-tocopherol. Step 3 — Purification: The crude α-tocopherol is purified by high-vacuum short-path molecular distillation to achieve pharmaceutical/food-grade specifications (≥96% purity, individual impurities ≤2.5% per USP/EP/BP monographs). The acetate ester (all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate) — the most common commercial stabilized form — is prepared by acetylation of the purified tocopherol with acetic anhydride. This entire pathway has been optimized over decades of industrial practice and is the dominant global production route for synthetic vitamin E.
UPOR Biotech supplies 2,3,5-trimethylphenol in two distinct grades optimized for different application requirements: Pharma/Food Intermediate Grade (≥99% GC): The highest purity grade, designed for pharmaceutical-grade vitamin E production, food/feed antioxidant intermediate synthesis, and any application requiring comprehensive regulatory documentation. This grade includes: GC purity ≥99.0% with full impurity profile, isomer purity ≥99.5% (confirmation of 2,3,5-substitution pattern with absence of 2,4,6- and 3,4,5-isomers), residual solvents per USP <467> / ICH Q3C Class 3, heavy metals ≤10 ppm with individual elemental impurities per ICH Q3D, microbiological testing per USP <61>/<62>, melting point 92–96°C, and complete lot traceability. Technical Grade (≥98% GC): Cost-optimized for industrial-scale vitamin E production, fragrance chemical precursor synthesis, polymer additive manufacturing, and applications where ≥99% purity is not required. Includes: GC purity ≥98.0%, isomer purity ≥98.5%, standard impurity profile, and essential documentation. Both grades are manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22000 with HACCP, and are HALAL and KOSHER certified. Free samples available for qualified B2B buyers for evaluation and method validation. MOQ: 1 kg for evaluation; flexible bulk quantities for commercial supply.
Synthetic and natural vitamin E differ in stereochemistry, bioactivity, and cost — but share identical chemical structure, antioxidant mechanism, and functional performance. Natural vitamin E (RRR-α-tocopherol, d-α-tocopherol): A single stereoisomer extracted from vegetable oils (soybean, sunflower, rapeseed). Bioactivity: 1.49 IU/mg. Production is limited by agricultural feedstock availability; natural vitamin E represents <15% of global market volume. Synthetic vitamin E (all-rac-α-tocopherol, dl-α-tocopherol): Produced from 2,3,5-trimethylphenol via the TMHQ + isophytol route — an equimolar mixture of all 8 stereoisomers (RRR, RRS, RSS, RSR, SRR, SRS, SSR, SSS). Bioactivity: 1.36 IU/mg — approximately 74% of natural vitamin E by USP weight-equivalent units (1 mg synthetic = 0.74 mg RRR-α-tocopherol equivalents). Synthetic vitamin E dominates >85% of the global market because: (1) Cost — 40–60% lower per IU than natural, (2) Scalability — not dependent on agricultural feedstock, (3) Stability — all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate (the commercial ester form) has identical oxidative stability regardless of stereochemistry, (4) Animal feed — the largest market segment overwhelmingly uses synthetic on cost, (5) Food fortification — synthetic provides equivalent antioxidant protection in processed foods at lower cost. In dietary supplements, natural vitamin E commands a premium for ‘natural’ label claims, but synthetic vitamin E delivers equivalent free-radical scavenging and membrane-protective antioxidant function. For industrial B2B buyers, synthetic vitamin E from 2,3,5-trimethylphenol offers the optimal balance of proven efficacy, scalable supply, and economic value.
Every shipment of 2,3,5-trimethylphenol includes: COA (GC purity ≥99.0% pharma/food grade or ≥98.0% technical grade, full impurity profile, isomer purity confirming 2,3,5-substitution pattern, melting point 92–96°C, loss on drying ≤0.5%, residue on ignition ≤0.1%, heavy metals ≤10 ppm with Pb ≤2 ppm / As ≤1 ppm / Hg ≤1 ppm / Cd ≤1 ppm per ICH Q3D, residual solvents per USP <467> / ICH Q3C Class 3, microbial limits per USP <61>/<62> for Pharma/Food grade), MSDS/SDS (GHS-compliant, 16-section format), GC Chromatogram (signed, dated, with integration table and peak assignment), IR Spectrum (conforming to 2,3,5-trimethylphenol reference standard), BSE/TSE-Free Statement, Non-GMO Statement, Allergen Statement, HALAL Certificate, KOSHER Certificate, ISO 22000 + HACCP Certificate, ISO 9001:2015 Certificate, FDA Facility Registration, Stability Data (25°C/60%RH real-time 24-month and 40°C/75%RH accelerated 6-month under N₂ atmosphere), and Complete Lot Traceability from raw material sourcing through manufacturing to finished product release. For Pharma/Food Intermediate Grade customers, additional documentation includes Residual Solvent Certificate of Analysis (USP <467>/ICH Q3C with individual solvent concentrations), Elemental Impurity Profile (USP <232>/ICH Q3D — full Class 1, 2A, 2B, and 3 elemental analysis), and Microbial Limits Certificate (USP <61>/<62> and EP <2.6.12>/<2.6.13>). Free sample available for qualified B2B buyers. MOQ: 1 kg for evaluation; flexible bulk supply for commercial orders. All documents provided in English.