1.Product Overview:
Thymol is a naturally occurring monoterpene phenol derived from thyme oil. It is widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries due to its potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Thymol is a key ingredient in many medicinal and therapeutic formulations, including cough syrups, antiseptic solutions, and skin care products. It is also recognized for its ability to enhance the absorption of other compounds and its role in stabilizing lipid membranes, which contributes to its broad therapeutic applications .
2. Chemical Properties
- Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₄O
- Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
- CAS Number: 89-83-8
- Purity: ≥95% (as per USP and EMA standards)
- Physical State: Colorless or white crystalline powder
- Solubility: Highly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, DMSO, and acetone; poorly soluble in water
- Melting Point: 48–51°C
- Boiling Point: 232°C (lit.)
- Density: 0.965 g/mL at 25°C
- Storage Temperature: 2–8°C (for stability and to prevent degradation)
- Storage Conditions: Light-resistant container to avoid photochemical degradation
3. Safety and Handling
Thymol is a hazardous substance and must be handled with care. It is classified as:
- Acute Toxicity (Oral): Class 4 (H302)
- Skin Corrosion/Injury: 1B (H314)
- Serious Eye Damage: 1 (H318)
- Chronic Water Environmental Hazard: 2 (H411)
Precautionary Statements (GHS):
- P260: Avoid inhalation of dust/gases/vapors/smoke.
- P273: Avoid release into the environment.
- P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/protective eye/face masks.
- P301+P312: If inhaled, move to fresh air; seek medical attention.
- P303+P361+P353: If on skin (or hair): wash with water; if in eyes: rinse cautiously for several minutes; remove contact lenses if possible and continue rinsing.
- P305+P351+P338: If exposed, flush immediately with water.
Emergency Contact:
- In case of inhalation, move the patient to fresh air.
- In case of skin contact, remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water. Seek medical attention if discomfort persists.
- In case of eye contact, rinse eyes with water for several minutes.
Firefighting Agents:
- Water mist, dry powder, foam, or carbon dioxide. Avoid using water directly if the substance is flammable.
4. Applications
Thymol is widely used in various sectors due to its diverse biological activities:
Pharmaceutical Applications
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Agent: Thymol exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. It is used in oral care products, antiseptics, and wound-healing formulations.
- Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: Thymol scavenges free radicals, reduces oxidative stress, and modulates inflammatory pathways. It is used in the treatment of cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic disorders .
- Anticancer Potential: Studies have shown that thymol induces apoptosis in cancer cells, particularly in gastric and lung cancers, by disrupting mitochondrial function and activating pro-apoptotic proteins.
- Gastrointestinal Protection: Thymol upregulates antioxidant enzymes and suppresses MMP-9 expression, protecting the gastric mucosa from ethanol-induced damage .
Cosmetic and Personal Care
- Antiseptic and Deodorant: Thymol is used in mouthwashes, toothpaste, and antiseptic sprays due to its antimicrobial and cooling properties.
- Skin Care: It is incorporated into formulations for its ability to reduce inflammation and improve skin texture.
Food and Flavoring
- Thymol is used as a natural preservative and flavoring agent in food products. It enhances the shelf life of food by inhibiting microbial growth.
5. Regulatory Compliance
Thymol is a USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EMA (European Medicines Agency) -approved substance. It is classified as a primary reference standard and is used in the preparation of pharmaceutical excipients and standardized medicinal products. The product meets the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015) and European Pharmacopoeia (EP) requirements for purity, potency, and safety .
6. Product Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Thymol Powder |
| CAS Number | 89-83-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀H₁₄O |
| Molecular Weight | 150.22 g/mol |
| Purity | ≥95% (as per USP and EMA) |
| Appearance | Colorless or white crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, DMSO, and acetone; insoluble in water |
| Storage Temperature | 2–8°C |
| Storage Conditions | Light-resistant container |
| Shelf Life | 2–3 years (unopened, sealed) |
| Usage | Research, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries |
7. Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A complete Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available for download from the manufacturer’s website. It includes detailed information on:
- Hazard Classification
- Precautionary Statements
- First Aid Measures
- Environmental Disposal
- Transportation Information
- Regulatory Compliance
8. Conclusion
Thymol is a versatile and effective compound with a wide range of applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Its unique chemical structure and biological activities make it a valuable ingredient in both traditional and modern formulations. When used in accordance with safety guidelines and regulatory standards, thymol can provide significant therapeutic benefits while ensuring the safety of users and the environment.
