3-Chloro-2-methylbenzenethiol, also known as o-methyl-m-chlorothiophenol, is an important aromatic thiol used in the synthesis of advanced organic molecules. With increasing demand for sulfur-containing intermediates in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals, this compound has gained steady industrial relevance.
This article covers its composition, chemical behavior, applications, safety guidelines, and market trends for 2025.
3-Chloro-2-methylbenzenethiol is a chlorinated aromatic compound bearing a thiol (-SH) group and a methyl substituent on a benzene ring.
Chemical Name: 3-Chloro-2-methylbenzenethiol
CAS Number: 53249-76-6
Molecular Formula: C₇H₇ClS
Molecular Weight: 158.65 g/mol
Appearance: Pale yellow to yellowish liquid (thiophenol-like odor)
Functional Groups: –SH (thiol), –Cl (chloro), –CH₃ (methyl)
The combination of chlorine and thiol groups enhances its versatility as a nucleophilic and electrophilic intermediate in organic synthesis.
The –SH group allows:
Thiolation reactions
Formation of thioethers
Metal ligand interactions
Nucleophilic aromatic substitutions
The chloro group increases electron-withdrawing character, modifying reactivity
The methyl group increases steric and electron-donating effects
Together, these substituents make the compound ideal for creating structurally diverse aromatic intermediates.
The compound is used to synthesize:
Sulfur-containing drug intermediates
Heterocyclic building blocks
Bioactive molecules with improved metabolic stability
Sulfur-containing aromatic units are increasingly incorporated into drug designs due to their unique binding properties.
3-Chloro-2-methylbenzenethiol is widely used in:
Herbicide development
Fungicide intermediate manufacturing
Insecticide precursor synthesis
Its chemical architecture supports the creation of potent and selective agrochemical agents.
Industries use this compound for:
Creating customized thioether compounds
Specialty dye intermediates
Corrosion inhibitors and functional additives
The thiol group’s ability to bond with metals is useful in surface-functionalization applications.
Laboratories employ this compound for:
Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies
Novel aromatic sulfur compound design
Material science formulations
Its reactivity profile makes it suitable for both exploratory and process-development research.
Strong thiol odor
Harmful if inhaled or swallowed
Causes skin and eye irritation
Flammable and reactive with strong oxidizers
Use gloves, goggles, and protective clothing
Work under a fume hood
Avoid exposure to heat or open flames
Store in tightly sealed containers
Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Protect from moisture and oxidizing agents
Always refer to the supplier’s SDS for complete safety guidelines.
Demand for chlorinated thiophenol intermediates is rising steadily due to growth in pharma, agrochemical, and specialty chemical sectors.
Increased R&D in sulfur-based pharmaceuticals
Expansion of agrochemical manufacturing in Asia
Growing adoption of functional organic materials
Rising need for tailored chemical intermediates
China and India: Major producers and exporters
Europe and North America: Strong research demand
Middle East & Southeast Asia: Increasing consumption in specialty chemical manufacturing
Manufacturers are focusing on:
High-purity grades for pharma
Stable bulk supply chains
Environment-friendly synthesis processes
Overall, the market is expected to show stable to moderate growth through 2025.
3-Chloro-2-methylbenzenethiol (CAS 53249-76-6) is an essential intermediate valued for its strong reactivity and versatility in organic synthesis. Its growing role in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals ensures continued relevance in 2025 and beyond.
