2-Methyl-4-nitrophenol is a nitrophenol derivative. The study of its crystal structure reveals the molecule to be nearly planar. Its synthesis has been reported. FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra and molecular modeling of 2-methyl-4-nitrophenol have been analyzed. It is reported to be one of the compounds in diesel exhaust particles (DEP) that shows potential vasodilatation activity in rats. Its reduction catalyzed by porous carbon-encapsulated gold nanoparticles has been investigated.