3-Ethylphenol is an organic compound with the formula C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>OH. It is one of three isomeric ethylphenols. A colorless liquid, it occurs as an impurity in xylenols and as such is used in the production of commercial phenolic resins.
3-Ethylphenol is produced by vigorous sulfonation of ethylbenzene, whereby initially produced 4-ethylphenylsulfonic acid converts to 3-ethylphenylsulfonic acid. The sulfonic acid is subsequently subjected to alkaline fusion, the dissolution of the sulfonic acid in molten alkali metal base (at 350 ðC). The main steps in the synthesis are shown:
3-Ethylphenol is found in urine samples of female elephants.
It is used as a photographic chemical intermediate and an intermediate for the cyan coupler of photographic paper. It's a tsetse fly attractant. Therefore, it's a kairomone.