2,3,6-Trimethylphenol

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 700(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.67(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is expected to have low mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol from moist soil surfaces is expected to occur slowly(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.9X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) from its vapor pressure, 0.035 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 1,580 mg/l at 25 °C(5). 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol, at an initial concentration of 0.37 mg/l, underwent no degradation when incubated in coal tar-contaminated groundwater in an anaerobic digester for 8 weeks(6), suggesting that biodegradation under anaerobic conditions will not be important; biodegradability under aerobic conditions is unknown(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 700(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.67(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to occur(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.9X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) from its vapor pressure, 0.035 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 1,580 mg/l at 25 °C(5). Volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 11 and 84 days, respectively(SRC), using an estimation method(3). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF value of 60(SRC), from a log Kow of 2.67(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC). 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol, at an initial concentration of 0.37 mg/l, underwent no degradation when incubated in coal tar-contaminated groundwater in an anaerobic digester for 8 weeks(7).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, which has a vapor pressure of 0.035 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3 hours(SRC) from its estimated rate constant of 1.3X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3).

The Koc of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is estimated as 700(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.67(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is expected to have low mobility in soil(SRC).

2,3,6-Trimethylphenol's production and use as a comonomer for the modification of polyphenylene oxide resins and as a starting material in vitamin E synthesis(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 60 was calculated for 2,3,6-trimethylphenol(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.67(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is estimated as 3.9X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) from its experimental values for vapor pressure, 0.035 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 1,580 mg/l(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 11 days(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(3) is estimated as approximately 84 days(SRC). 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol's estimated Henry's Law constant(1,2) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon the vapor pressure of this compound(1).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.3X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 3 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(2).

GROUNDWATER: 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol was detected in groundwater in the vicinity of the wood treatment facilities of the American Creosote Works in Pensacola, FL, at max concns of 0.67 ppm (6 m), 0.12 ppm (12 m), 0.28 ppm (18 m), 0.15 ppm (24 m)(1). 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol was identified, not quantified, in an aquifer in St. Louis Park, MN which was contaminated during the operation of a coal tar distillation and wood treatment facility(2).

2,3,6-Trimethylphenol's production and use as a comonomer for the modification of polyphenylene oxide resins and as a starting material in vitamin E synthesis may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.035 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 2,3,6-trimethylphenol will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2,3,6-trimethylphenol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3 hours. If released to soil, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is expected to have low mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 700. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to occur slowly based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.9X10-6 atm-cu m/mole. 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based on its vapor pressure. Based on limited information, this compound does not appear to biodegrade under anaerobic conditions; biodegradability under aerobic conditions is unknown. If released into water, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in the water column based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 11 and 84 days, respectively. The potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate based on an estimated BCF value of 60. This compound is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups. Occupational exposure to 2,3,6-trimethylphenol may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is produced or used. (SRC)

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Administer activated charcoal ... . Dilution may be contraindicated because it may increase absorption. Do not use emetics ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Phenols and Related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in respiratory arrest. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W TKO /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors for hypotension with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Administer 1% solution methylene blue if patient is symptomatic with severe hypoxia, cyanosis, and cardiac compromise not responding to oxygen. ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Phenols and Related Compounds/