Record Information
Version1.0
Creation Date2009-03-06 18:57:58 UTC
Update Date2026-03-31 17:44:57 UTC
Accession NumberCHEM000041
Identification
Common NamePentachlorophenol
ClassSmall Molecule
DescriptionPentachlorophenol (PCP) is an organochlorine compound used as a pesticide and a disinfectant. First produced in the 1930s, it is marketed under many trade names. It can be found in two forms: PCP itself or as the sodium salt of PCP, which dissolves easily in water. Short-term exposure to large amounts of PCP can cause harmful effects on the liver, kidneys, blood, lungs, nervous system, immune system, and gastrointestinal tract. Elevated temperature, profuse sweating, uncoordinated movement, muscle twitching, and coma are additional side effects. Contact with PCP (particularly in the form of vapor) can irritate the skin, eyes, and mouth. Long-term exposure to low levels such as those that occur in the workplace can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, blood, and nervous system. Finally exposure to PCP is also associated with carcinogenic, renal, and neurological effects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Toxicity Class classifies PCP in group B2 (probable human carcinogen).
Contaminant Sources
  • Clean Air Act Chemicals
  • Disinfection Byproducts
  • HMDB Contaminants - Urine
  • HPV EPA Chemicals
  • IARC Carcinogens General
  • IARC Carcinogens Group 2B
  • My Exposome Chemicals
  • STOFF IDENT Compounds
  • Sludge Chemicals
  • T3DB toxins
  • ToxCast & Tox21 Chemicals
Contaminant Type
  • Aromatic Hydrocarbon
  • Industrial/Workplace Toxin
  • Lachrymator
  • Metabolite
  • Organic Compound
  • Organochloride
  • Pesticide
  • Pollutant
  • Synthetic Compound
Chemical Structure
Thumb
Synonyms
ValueSource
2,3,4,5,6-PentachlorophenolChEBI
PCPChEBI
1-Hydroxy-2,3,4,5,6-pentachlorobenzeneHMDB
2, 3,4,5,6-PentachlorophenolHMDB
2,3,4,5,6-Pentachlorophenol (acd/name 4.0)HMDB
Chem-tolHMDB
ChlorophenHMDB
Dowicide 7HMDB
Dowicide gHMDB
DurotoxHMDB
FungifenHMDB
Glazd pentaHMDB
Grundier arbezolHMDB
LauxtolHMDB
Lauxtol aHMDB
LiropremHMDB
PCP (Pesticide)HMDB
PenchlorolHMDB
PentaHMDB
Penta-kilHMDB
Pentachloro-phenolHMDB
PentachlorophenateHMDB
Pentachlorophenol pureHMDB
PentaconHMDB
PentasolHMDB
PenwarHMDB
PeratoxHMDB
PermacideHMDB
PermagardHMDB
PermasanHMDB
PermatoxHMDB
PermiteHMDB
Phenol, pentachloro-, pureHMDB
Preventol pHMDB
SantobriteHMDB
SantophenHMDB
Santophen 20HMDB
SinituhoHMDB
Term-i-trolHMDB
Thompson'S wood fixHMDB
WeedoneHMDB
Sodium pentachlorophenateHMDB
Pentachlorophenate, sodiumHMDB
Chemical FormulaC6HCl5O
Average Molecular Mass266.337 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass263.847 g/mol
CAS Registry Number87-86-5
IUPAC Namepentachlorophenol
Traditional Namepermite
SMILESOC1=C(Cl)C(Cl)=C(Cl)C(Cl)=C1Cl
InChI IdentifierInChI=1S/C6HCl5O/c7-1-2(8)4(10)6(12)5(11)3(1)9/h12H
InChI KeyIZUPBVBPLAPZRR-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Chemical Taxonomy
Description belongs to the class of organic compounds known as p-chlorophenols. These are chlorophenols carrying a iodine at the C4 position of the benzene ring.
KingdomOrganic compounds
Super ClassBenzenoids
ClassPhenols
Sub ClassHalophenols
Direct ParentP-chlorophenols
Alternative Parents
Substituents
  • 4-chlorophenol
  • 2-chlorophenol
  • 3-chlorophenol
  • Halobenzene
  • Chlorobenzene
  • Monocyclic benzene moiety
  • Aryl halide
  • Aryl chloride
  • Organic oxygen compound
  • Hydrocarbon derivative
  • Organooxygen compound
  • Organochloride
  • Organohalogen compound
  • Aromatic homomonocyclic compound
Molecular FrameworkAromatic homomonocyclic compounds
External Descriptors
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginExogenous
Cellular Locations
  • Membrane
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
PathwaysNot Available
ApplicationsNot Available
Biological Roles
Chemical RolesNot Available
Physical Properties
StateSolid
AppearanceColorless (pure) or dark gray to brown (inpure) solid.
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting Point174°C
Boiling Point309-310°C
Solubility0.014 mg/mL at 25°C
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
Water Solubility0.013 g/LALOGPS
logP4.99ALOGPS
logP4.69ChemAxon
logS-4.3ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Acidic)4.98ChemAxon
pKa (Strongest Basic)-8.5ChemAxon
Physiological Charge-1ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count1ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count1ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area20.23 ŲChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count0ChemAxon
Refractivity52.06 m³·mol⁻¹ChemAxon
Polarizability20.51 ųChemAxon
Number of Rings1ChemAxon
Bioavailability1ChemAxon
Rule of FiveYesChemAxon
Ghose FilterNoChemAxon
Veber's RuleYesChemAxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemAxon
Spectra
Spectra
Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyView
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-014i-3590000000-e28db0931c3a64c5acdcSpectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - GC-EI-TOF (Non-derivatized)splash10-006x-8219000000-8910acf1ed3be43cd77bSpectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - GC-EI-TOF (Non-derivatized)splash10-006x-9313000000-9b0f7071c23978d3b163Spectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-014i-3590000000-e28db0931c3a64c5acdcSpectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - GC-EI-TOF (Non-derivatized)splash10-006x-8219000000-8910acf1ed3be43cd77bSpectrum
GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - GC-EI-TOF (Non-derivatized)splash10-006x-9313000000-9b0f7071c23978d3b163Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, Positivesplash10-014i-0090000000-372477d228a07e38fb8cSpectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (1 TMS) - 70eV, Positivesplash10-00di-9037000000-c0568714ed7ae0793386Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot AvailableSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-c07304b5de53109ffe95Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-c07304b5de53109ffe95Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-a2ac24a2b8c95d48eaa9Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-f11dce9638967fa2edd6Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-444986831b0f32a73b6cSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , negativesplash10-014i-0090000000-5e8d19e4bc541c1b66e6Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QTOF , negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-60df94932344c9ac45caSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 75V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-5205c07a823be8027dcbSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 90V, Negativesplash10-014i-0090000000-5e8d19e4bc541c1b66e6Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 60V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-a2ac24a2b8c95d48eaa9Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 30V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-41111bd228347e1b53acSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 15V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-c07304b5de53109ffe95Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 60V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-65f2bd9ec1d84906a46aSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 75V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-444986831b0f32a73b6cSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-03di-0090000000-fe16cb367a3097b46dceSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-03di-0090000000-fe16cb367a3097b46dceSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-03fr-0090000000-a2ad498e1418227155d6Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-5ba49a7b3703eabe8481Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-3d5f8e3c5b92e6bffb78Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-3d5f8e3c5b92e6bffb78Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-563e7d9b4b491a60a828Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-563e7d9b4b491a60a828Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-03di-0090000000-563e7d9b4b491a60a828Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-03di-0090000000-e7a28a8ea0101bc97aa6Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-03di-0090000000-e7a28a8ea0101bc97aa6Spectrum
MSMass Spectrum (Electron Ionization)splash10-014i-3590000000-1be327edcf96b221d568Spectrum
Toxicity Profile
Route of ExposureOral (11) ; inhalation (11) ; dermal (11)
Mechanism of ToxicityPentachlorophenol is a cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. A cholinesterase inhibitor (or 'anticholinesterase') suppresses the action of acetylcholinesterase. Because of its essential function, chemicals that interfere with the action of acetylcholinesterase are potent neurotoxins, causing excessive salivation and eye-watering in low doses, followed by muscle spasms and ultimately death. Nerve gases and many substances used in insecticides have been shown to act by binding a serine in the active site of acetylcholine esterase, inhibiting the enzyme completely. Acetylcholine esterase breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is released at nerve and muscle junctions, in order to allow the muscle or organ to relax. The result of acetylcholine esterase inhibition is that acetylcholine builds up and continues to act so that any nerve impulses are continually transmitted and muscle contractions do not stop. Among the most common acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are phosphorus-based compounds, which are designed to bind to the active site of the enzyme. The structural requirements are a phosphorus atom bearing two lipophilic groups, a leaving group (such as a halide or thiocyanate), and a terminal oxygen.
MetabolismPentachlorophenol is efficiently absorbed following inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure, then binds to plasma proteins and is distributed to the liver, lungs, kidneys, blood, fat tissues, and brain. Extensive plasma protein binding of pentachlorophenol may account for its low degree of metabolism. Metabolism of pentachlorophenol occurs in the liver, and the major pathways are conjugation to form the glucuronide and oxidative dechlorination to form tetrachlorohydroquinone (TCHQ). Pentachlorophenol and its metabolites are excreted mainly in the urine. (11)
Toxicity ValuesLD50: 27 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (16) LD50: 96 mg/kg (Dermal, Rat) (16) LD50: 56 mg/kg (Intraperitoneal, Rat) (16) LD50: 58 mg/kg (Subcutaneous, Rat) (16)
Lethal DoseNot Available
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans. (14)
Uses/SourcesPentachlorophenol is a restrictively used pesticide and is used industrially as a wood preservative for utility poles, railroad ties, and wharf pilings. (11)
Minimum Risk LevelAcute Oral: 0.005 mg/kg/day (13) Intermediate Oral: 0.001 mg/kg/day (13) Chronic Oral: 0.001 mg/kg/day (13)
Health EffectsAcute exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors can cause a cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea/vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved. Accumulation of ACh at motor nerves causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression at the neuromuscular junction. When this occurs symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, fasciculation, and paralysis can be seen. When there is an accumulation of ACh at autonomic ganglia this causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression in the sympathetic system. Symptoms associated with this are hypertension, and hypoglycemia. Overstimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system, due to accumulation of ACh, results in anxiety, headache, convulsions, ataxia, depression of respiration and circulation, tremor, general weakness, and potentially coma. When there is expression of muscarinic overstimulation due to excess acetylcholine at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors symptoms of visual disturbances, tightness in chest, wheezing due to bronchoconstriction, increased bronchial secretions, increased salivation, lacrimation, sweating, peristalsis, and urination can occur. Certain reproductive effects in fertility, growth, and development for males and females have been linked specifically to organophosphate pesticide exposure. Most of the research on reproductive effects has been conducted on farmers working with pesticides and insecticdes in rural areas. In females menstrual cycle disturbances, longer pregnancies, spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, and some developmental effects in offspring have been linked to organophosphate pesticide exposure. Prenatal exposure has been linked to impaired fetal growth and development. Neurotoxic effects have also been linked to poisoning with OP pesticides causing four neurotoxic effects in humans: cholinergic syndrome, intermediate syndrome, organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDP), and chronic organophosphate-induced neuropsychiatric disorder (COPIND). These syndromes result after acute and chronic exposure to OP pesticides.
SymptomsExposure to high levels of pentachlorophenol can cause the cells in the body to produce excess heat, resulting in a very high fever, profuse sweating, and difficulty breathing. Contact with pentachlorophenol, particularly in the form of vapor can irritate the skin, eyes, and mouth. (11, 12)
TreatmentIf the compound has been ingested, rapid gastric lavage should be performed using 5% sodium bicarbonate. For skin contact, the skin should be washed with soap and water. If the compound has entered the eyes, they should be washed with large quantities of isotonic saline or water. In serious cases, atropine and/or pralidoxime should be administered. Anti-cholinergic drugs work to counteract the effects of excess acetylcholine and reactivate AChE. Atropine can be used as an antidote in conjunction with pralidoxime or other pyridinium oximes (such as trimedoxime or obidoxime), though the use of '-oximes' has been found to be of no benefit, or possibly harmful, in at least two meta-analyses. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist, and thus blocks the action of acetylcholine peripherally.
Concentrations
Not Available
DrugBank IDNot Available
HMDB IDHMDB0041974
FooDB IDNot Available
Phenol Explorer IDNot Available
KNApSAcK IDC00007496
BiGG IDNot Available
BioCyc IDPENTACHLOROPHENOL
METLIN IDNot Available
PDB IDPCI
Wikipedia LinkPentachlorophenol
Chemspider ID967
ChEBI ID17642
PubChem Compound ID992
Kegg Compound IDC02575
YMDB IDNot Available
ECMDB IDM2MDB005730
References
Synthesis ReferenceNot Available
MSDSLink
General References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=17497895
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=23636589
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=24123209
4. Baker PB, Carriere Y: Effectiveness of commercial and experimental termite monitors for the desert subterranean termite Heterotermes aureus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in southern Arizona. J Econ Entomol. 2011 Aug;104(4):1339-42.
5. Pan J, Yang Y, Geng C, Yeung LW, Cao X, Dai T: Polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in marine and lacustrine sediments from the Shandong Peninsula, China. J Hazard Mater. 2010 Apr 15;176(1-3):274-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.11.024. Epub 2009 Nov 11.
6. Zhou L, Li H, Yu Z, Ren M, Zeng X, Peng P, Sheng G, Fu J: Chlorinated and brominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in surface sediment from Taihu Lake, China. J Environ Monit. 2012 Jul;14(7):1935-42. doi: 10.1039/c2em10818f. Epub 2012 May 29.
7. Xu MX, Yan JH, Lu SY, Li XD, Chen T, Ni MJ, Dai HF, Cen KF: Source identification of PCDD/Fs in agricultural soils near to a Chinese MSWI plant through isomer-specific data analysis. Chemosphere. 2008 Apr;71(6):1144-55. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.10.032. Epub 2008 Feb 14.
8. Nidasio G, Broglia L, Sozze T: [Quantification of pentachlorophenol in urine by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with a fragmentographic technic]. G Ital Med Lav. 1985 Jul;7(4):157-61.
9. Tisch M, Lohmeier A, Schmezer P, Bartsch H, Maier H: [Genotoxic effect of the insecticides pentachlorophenol and lindane on human nasal mucosal epithelium]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2001 Jul 27;126(30):840-4.
10. Gonczi C, Hollo A, Komaromi S, Molnar J: [Elevated pentachlorphenol in urine following Fungifen therapy]. Orv Hetil. 1991 Feb 17;132(7):361-3.
11. Kalman DA, Horstman SW: Persistence of tetrachlorophenol and pentachlorophenol in exposed woodworkers. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1983 Jun;20(4):343-52.
12. Persson Y, Lundstedt S, Oberg L, Tysklind M: Levels of chlorinated compounds (CPs, PCPPs, PCDEs, PCDFs and PCDDs) in soils at contaminated sawmill sites in Sweden. Chemosphere. 2007 Jan;66(2):234-42. Epub 2006 Jul 24.