Catechol
Catechol
Catechol (/ˈkætɪtʃɒl/), also known as pyrocatechol or 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H4(OH)2. It is the ortho isomer of the three isomeric benzenediols.
Etymology
The term "catechol" is derived from the Greek words "kata" and "chol", meaning "down" and "bile" respectively. This is in reference to the method of obtaining catechol, which was originally isolated from a type of bile.
Structure and Properties
Catechol is a colorless compound that exists as a crystalline solid at room temperature. It is highly soluble in water and moderately soluble in ethanol. Catechol has two hydroxyl groups attached to a benzene ring, making it a type of phenol.
Uses and Applications
Catechol is used in various industries for its chemical properties. It is a key ingredient in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and perfumes. It is also used as a photographic developer and in the synthesis of other chemicals.
Health Effects
Exposure to catechol can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It is also known to be potentially toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Catechol
- Wikipedia's article - Catechol
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski