thymol

Thymol
IUPAC name	2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol
Identifiers
CAS number	89-83-8 Y
ATCvet code	QP53AX22
SMILES	CC1=CC(O)=C(C(C)C)C=C1
Properties
Molecular formula	C10H14O
Molar mass	150.22 g/mol
Density	0.96 g/cm3
Melting point	49-51 °C
Boiling point	232 °C
Y (what is this?)  (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Thymol (also known as 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol), (IPMP) is a monoterpene phenol derivative of cymene, C₁₀H₁₄O, isomeric with carvacrol, found in oil of thyme, and extracted as a white crystalline substance of a pleasant aromatic odor and strong antiseptic properties. Thymol is only slightly soluble in water, but it is extremely soluble in alcohols and other organic solvents. It is also called "Isopropyl-m-cresol" and "hydroxy cymene".^[1]

History

The Ancient Egyptians used thymol and carvacrol in the form of a preparation from the thyme plant (a member of the mint family), because of their ability to preserve mummies. Thymol and carvacrol are now known to kill bacteria and fungi, having made thyme well suited for such purposes.

The crystalline substance thymol was discovered by Caspar Neumann in 1719 and synthesized in pure form in the year 1842 by von M. Lallemand characterized through elementary chemical analysis. Using this, he was able to discover the correct ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that make up thymol molecules. Friedrich Ferdinand Runge also studied the chemistry of this substance. Alain Thozet and M. Perrin first published the crystal structure analysis with the exact determination of the structural atoms.

Uses

Thymol has been used to successfully control varroa mites and prevent fermentation and the growth of mould in bee colonies.^[2]. A minor use is in bookbinding: before rebinding, books with mold damage can be sealed in bags with thymol crystals to kill fungal spores. Thymol has been used in alcohol solutions and in dusting powders for the treatment of tinea (ringworm) infections. Thymol was used to treat hookworm infections in the US.^[3] It is also used as a preservative in halothane, an anaesthetic, and as an antiseptic in mouthwash.

The Bee Balms (Monarda fistulosa and Monarda didyma) are natural sources of thymol, a primary active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash formulas. The Blackfeet Native Americans recognized this plant's strong antiseptic action, and used poultices of the plant for skin infections and minor wounds. A tea made from the plant was also used to treat mouth and throat infections caused by dental caries and gingivitis.^[4]

Recent medical research on rats concludes that "Thyme extract had relaxing effects on organs possessing β₂-receptors (uterus and trachea)."^[5]

In a 1994 report released by five top cigarette companies, thymol was listed as one of 599 additives to cigarettes.^[6] It is said to be added to improve the flavor of cigarettes, but as mentioned above, it relaxes the trachea.

There is also evidence supporting the belief that thymol when applied two to three times daily, can eliminate certain kinds of fungal infections that affect finger nails and toe nails in humans.^{[citation needed]} Regular application to the affected nail over periods approximating three months has been shown to eliminate the affliction by effectively preventing further progress;^{[citation needed]} by simply cutting the nail as one normally would, all infected material is eventually eliminated.

Biological activity

Thymol has GABAergic activity,^[7] via a mechanism of action similar to the anaesthetic propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol). Thymol is neither a controlled substance nor a controlled substance analogue in the US and the UK.

List of plants that contain the chemical

• Thymus hyemalis ^{[8][clarification needed]}
• Thymus vulgaris ^{[8], [9]}
• Thymus zygis ^{[10][clarification needed]}

Toxicology

This section requires expansion.

Compendial status

• British Pharmacopoeia ^[11]
• Japanese Pharmacopoeia 15^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Methyl thymol
• GABA
• Depressants
• Monoterpenes
• Antiseptic
• Vaporizer

Notes & References

External links

• What is Thymol?