2,4,5-trichlorophenol

chemical compound

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

2,4,5-trichlorophenol is a toxic organic compound that belongs to the chlorophenol group. These compounds are formed when hydrogen atoms on a benzene ring of phenol are replaced by chlorine atoms.1

2,4,5-trichlorophenol is used in the production of herbicides like 2,4,5-T and 2,4,5-TCPPA, which are used as weed killers. It also serves as a raw material for making hexachlorophene, an antibacterial agent, and other germicides.12

A significant concern with 2,4,5-trichlorophenol is that it can be a source of dioxins, which are highly toxic environmental pollutants. The most well-known dioxin, 2,3,7,8-TCDD, is an undesirable by-product in the synthesis of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol. Dioxins are persistent pollutants that accumulate in the food chain and can pose health risks to humans.2

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dioxin
Chemical characteristics and production
…by-product during the synthesis of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol and some other useful compounds. The chemical 2,4,5-trichlorophenol serves as a raw material for making the herbicides Silvex (fenoprop) and 2,4,5-T (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid). The latter is a major active ingredient of Agent Orange, a defoliant formerly used in Vietnam by the U.S. military and…
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…by-product during the synthesis of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol and some other useful compounds. The chemical 2,4,5-trichlorophenol serves as a raw material for making the herbicides Silvex (fenoprop) and 2,4,5-T (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid). The latter is a major active ingredient of Agent Orange, a defoliant formerly used in Vietnam by the U.S. military and…
Read More