Chemists first documented 5-Methylresorcinol at the turn of the twentieth century, tracing its roots back to early phenolic chemistry, a field brimming with innovation and intense curiosity. Resorcinol derivatives sparked interest because they brought new options for dyes, polymers, and pharmaceuticals. This particular compound’s path intertwined with developments in both fine chemical synthesis and applied industrial chemistry. Decades ago, production remained limited and costly, but the chemical revolution in the late-20th century, spurred by better catalysts and improved handling of methyl group substitutions, opened doors for larger-scale use. Labs across Europe and North America played key roles, and textbooks soon featured 5-Methylresorcinol as a distinct entry, recognized for a growing list of applications.
Enthusiasts in the world of specialty chemicals see 5-Methylresorcinol as a core intermediate, popping up where resilience and selective reactivity matter. Its molecular identity gives it an edge in synthesizing pigments, stabilizers, and certain pharmaceutical compounds. This compound owes much of its demand to industries that care about small performance tweaks: hair dye makers, film manufacturers, makers of resins that need predictable breakdown patterns. Research labs value its clean structure for stepwise modifications, using it as a backbone for more elaborate chemistry.
5-Methylresorcinol presents as an off-white to pale yellow solid, often crystallizing into neat needles or plates when grown slowly from solution. The compound weighs in at 124.14 g/mol and has a melting point hovering around 116 - 120°C, solid under normal conditions but ready to participate in the next reaction step with a modest application of heat. Solubility marks an important facet here—it's easily dissolved in ethanol and ether, moderately in water, allowing chemists flexibility in how they handle and process it. The familiar phenolic odor speaks to its reactive sites, those two hydroxyl groups eager to join in hydrogen bonding or further substitution. The methyl group at the 5-position helps distinguish its reactivity profile, separating it from the parent resorcinol by nudging electron density and shifting substitution preferences.
In industry, tight technical specs reduce waste and surprise. Standard product profiles for 5-Methylresorcinol list purity at 98% or greater, with residual solvents kept below 0.5%. Chloride and sulfate contaminants need to clock in under 0.01%, allowing the material to serve in applications sensitive to trace ions. Labels cover not only CAS number (2434-76-4) but also lot number, date of manufacture, and recommended shelf life (usually 24 months in sealed, dark storage). Packaging varies: amber glass bottles for small labs, PE-lined steel drums for commercial buyers, all with clear batch-level traceability to cut down on recall risk.
Getting 5-Methylresorcinol onto the shelf starts with methylation of resorcinol. Typical processes use a Friedel-Crafts alkylation, driving a methyl group onto the aromatic ring with the help of acid catalysts and either methyl iodide or dimethyl sulfate as the reagent. Selective substitution depends on controlling temperature, reaction time, and the order of reagent addition. Modern setups lean into closed systems, monitoring by gas chromatography to pull the mixture off heat as soon as the desired isomer accumulates. Isolation follows: extraction with an organic solvent, wash steps, then crystallization from chilled ethanol. Each cycle through the equipment aims for maximum yield, safe handling, and minimal environmental impact from solvent or catalyst residues.
More than a building block, 5-Methylresorcinol flexes its versatility in further synthetic transformations. Those two hydroxyls attract electrophiles, opening pathways for straightforward etherification or esterification—tools essential for anyone modifying dye precursors or creating more complex pharmacophores. Oxidize it gently, and quinone derivatives spring forth, valued for photoactivity and use in organic electronics. Attach sulfonic acid groups, and the molecule's water-loving habits change, helping tailor its solubility for direct injection into cosmetic formulations. Advanced researchers keep pushing boundaries, exploring click chemistry and cross-coupling reactions that graft new groups onto the ring, changing physical and biological properties dramatically.
Anyone shopping for this compound may see it offered as 5-Methyl-1,3-benzenediol, 5-Methylresorcin, or under trade names chosen by distributors eager to capture niche customers. In catalogs, "Methylhydroquinol" sometimes appears, but most professionals lean on the clarity of CAS numbers or the precise ‘5-methyl’ handle. Local language variants arise in different markets, reflecting not just linguistic quirks but also the blend of regulatory approaches and historical usage in those regions.
Working with 5-Methylresorcinol calls for respect—direct skin contact can irritate, inhalation of dust needs to be avoided, and like many phenolics, large doses have systemic toxicity. Laboratories lean on personal protective equipment, localized fume extraction, and real-time gas monitoring during synthesis and handling. Storage standards keep it dry, cool, and dark, as humidity can lead to clumping and slow breakdown, while excess warmth hastens decomposition. Disposal protocols require neutralization or combustion in facilities able to scrub out acidic and organic vapors, keeping local air and water safe. Responsible operators track spills closely, follow reporting requirements, and train new staff regularly on risks—no seasoned chemist or plant operator cuts corners here.
Hair dye formulas count on 5-Methylresorcinol for stable color development without the harsh degradation pathways that plague some other phenolic intermediates. Its controlled reactivity helps extend shelf life in final products, and the color fastness many industry insiders seek sits among its key selling points. Resin design and specialty plastic engineers work this molecule into blocks, then shape its characteristics with clever additives and targeted polymerization steps. Analytical chemists often use it to test oxidizing agents or as a control compound to validate spectroscopic methods. Looking at the biomedical sector, 5-Methylresorcinol provides a proven starting point for designers seeking new antioxidant frameworks or bioactive molecules.
In the labs of universities and corporations alike, teams keep exploring what subtle tweaks to the aromatic core will deliver new surprises. Computational chemists have started predicting how different substitutions affect not just reactivity, but also bioavailability and metabolic breakdown, changing how pharmaceuticals built on this skeleton behave in the body. Formulation scientists experiment with co-solvents, examining how 5-Methylresorcinol plays with other dye intermediates or stabilizers, looking to extend performance under extreme conditions. Recent attention focuses on greener synthesis routes: reducing reliance on toxic methylating agents, or using biocatalysts to rework old pathways. Published literature keeps growing, as patents documenting novel uses in optoelectronics and nanomaterial synthesis appear each year.
Most toxicology work points out that while phenolic compounds often carry risks—acute exposure leading to irritation, chronic overexposure possibly causing long-term effects—5-Methylresorcinol remains comparatively tame in controlled settings. Oral LD50 values in lab animals hover around several hundreds of mg/kg, and strict dosing limits help reduce risk. Ongoing studies probe for long-term carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity, as regulators pay close attention to even low-level chronic exposures, especially in consumer products like hair colorants. Groups like the European Chemicals Agency and the US EPA keep expanding their datasets, relying on animal studies and modern cell culture assays. Reports usually highlight the need for routine staff health surveillance in workplaces using this compound daily.
As industries turn to new materials with higher performance demands, 5-Methylresorcinol sits right in the mix of next-generation dye, polymer, and electronics schemes. Efforts to lower production’s environmental footprint make this an active research front: green chemistry goals push for new methylation strategies, maybe enzymatic or solvent-free, to keep downstream waste manageable. Biomedical innovators test ever-more-subtle resorcinol derivatives for antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, giving hope for therapies that move past antibiotic resistance. In the world of wearables and flexible electronics, modified resorcinol cores get the nod for their stable electronic properties. Skilled chemists and process engineers alike keep finding ways to stretch the capabilities of this compound while society demands higher transparency in both use and safety. The story of 5-Methylresorcinol demonstrates how much promise and responsibility come wrapped inside every new molecule that moves from the curiosity of a research bench into the pulse of global commerce.
5-Methylresorcinol often drifts under the radar compared to the chemical giants in headlines, yet it plays a bigger part in daily routines than people realize. Tucked inside hair dye formulas, this compound steps up during the coloring process, making shades from chocolate browns to bold reds look more vibrant. My first encounter with 5-Methylresorcinol came in a college chemistry lab, where we ran tests comparing the staying power of different dyes on wool. We saw firsthand how a tweak in chemical structure—like adding a methyl group to resorcinol—meant the color stood out longer and looked richer.
The beauty industry chases consistency and safety. 5-Methylresorcinol checks both boxes. It bonds well with other ingredients used in oxidative hair coloring, especially those requiring the dye to work at low concentrations to protect the scalp. This results in fewer reactions, which stands out to anyone who’s ever felt their head itch after coloring their hair. Scientists point out that the methylresorcinol structure resists fading better than plain resorcinol, translating to shampoo-resistant shades, a practical need many salon clients care about.
Whenever a chemical becomes a backbone of big brands, safety questions pile up. Some folks worry whenever they see a long name on a label. Studies have tracked toxicity and allergic reactions for years. The European Commission places 5-Methylresorcinol on lists approved for restricted cosmetic use. They cite trials where concentrations below a certain threshold don’t trigger red skin or rashes. Dermatologists mention it as far less likely to cause burns than some older dye additives—an improvement people with sensitive skin will appreciate.
5-Methylresorcinol finds work outside salons. Its antiseptic qualities surface in some topical medicines and cleansers. In small doses, it fights off bacteria and helps balance the pH of certain skin treatments. Think about those times you’ve used acne washes or ointments for minor scrapes—the label might not say 5-Methylresorcinol, but it’s sometimes inside. People who rely on over-the-counter treatments for minor skin troubles benefit from these invisible helpers, and pharmacists lean on research that backs up these claims.
The presence of synthetic chemicals in personal care leads to tough questions about pollution and long-term impacts on health. Some researchers experiment with greener synthesis methods, aiming to lower waste and energy use during production. As environmental groups tune into these manufacturing details, companies offer transparency about their ingredient sourcing. My own experience working with eco-conscious startups showed how even a single molecule—usually considered a footnote—can end up under a microscope for social and ecological reasons.
Pressures grow on companies to disclose sourcing and health impacts. People want to know that the products they use every day—even something invisible in a hair dye—don’t harm the water, soil, or those who produce them. Brands embracing full disclosure and regular testing gain trust more easily. Regulators, chemists, and consumer advocates push for tighter monitoring, not just for 5-Methylresorcinol, but for every ingredient that goes into common beauty and healthcare products.
Drugstore shelves are filled with formulas promising smoother skin or cleaner hair. Dig into the ingredients and you might spot something called 5-Methylresorcinol. Chemists like this compound for its stabilizing and conditioning properties. Big cosmetic manufacturers use it in hair dyes and certain skincare products. So the question grows: is it really safe slathered onto skin or worked deep into hair?
5-Methylresorcinol is a derivative of resorcinol, which chemists have studied for more than a century. In hair dye, it helps build color molecules and lock shades in place. Regulatory bodies like the European Commission and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration keep lists of allowed cosmetic ingredients, and they’ve taken long looks at this chemical. The EU lets manufacturers use it, but only below strict concentration limits. This isn’t some forgotten loophole, either; every few years, safety groups review these standards and either tighten or renew them.
Scientific research doesn’t stand still. A team from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety in Europe released updated findings within the past few years acknowledging the compound’s safety at low concentrations. They agreed it shows low risk for toxic reactions or long-term issues if used according to label directions. Animal studies have revealed little evidence of cancer risk, and skin absorption appears limited.
On the flip side, just because regulators approve something doesn’t mean everyone should ignore irritation or allergic reactions. Dermatologists have occasionally documented rare rashes and redness after repeated exposure. If a product causes itching or burning, there’s sense in laying off or trying something else. No manufacturer can guarantee zero reactions for everyone.
Personal care should build confidence, not confusion. Growing up in a family with eczema and allergy struggles, I learned the hard way that not every “safe” ingredient is friendly to sensitive skin. Ingredient safety always depends on concentration, frequency, and personal skin chemistry. Head into a salon or buy an at-home color kit and it makes sense to scan ingredient lists, then pay attention to how skin behaves.
Big cosmetic companies cannot brush aside their responsibility. They test for irritating byproducts, follow legal limits, and run regular safety updates. In Europe, 5-Methylresorcinol must stay below 1.8% in hair dye after mixing. If shade formulas start climbing above that, regulators will step in. Industry watchdogs and consumer advocacy groups push for new studies as trends shift and more people speak up about allergies.
Consumer patch tests make difference. Before going full-on with a new hair color, apply a dab near the elbow and check for redness after 24 hours. Read up on the brand’s safety record and look for companies committed to transparency. Ingredients with unfamiliar names—like 5-Methylresorcinol—warrant an extra five minutes searching reputable health websites.
Cosmetic safety never ends with one ruling or regulatory checkmark. Science updates its answers, and companies adjust. In the end, listening to your skin pays as much as reading any label.
Curiosity about the makeup of everyday molecules often leads to more interesting conversation than a list of facts ever could. Take 5-Methylresorcinol. In basic terms, this compound grows out of the resorcinol family, which belongs to the broader group of dihydroxybenzenes. If you look at its skeleton, it features a benzene ring shaped by two hydroxyl (-OH) groups and a single methyl (-CH3) group. For 5-Methylresorcinol, these items cling to the 1, 3, and 5 carbons on the ring. Chemists describe this layout as 5-methyl-1,3-benzenediol, with a formula of C7H8O2.
Anyone who has spent time mixing and matching chemical building blocks knows functional groups can change everything. Here, the hydroxyl groups bring reactivity and binding power, making the molecule useful well beyond its family tree. The methyl group at position 5 pushes a distinct character into the molecule, so it behaves differently from plain resorcinol. Slight shifts in placement—such as this—reshape both reactivity and the end uses that follow.
Compounds like 5-Methylresorcinol sneak unnoticed into products most people use. My own years in a chemistry lab drove home that some molecules get their time in the spotlight quietly. In cosmetic chemistry, for example, 5-Methylresorcinol acts as an intermediate for dyes, perfumes, and certain UV absorbers. The methyl tweak improves color stability and helps formulas survive shelf-life tests. Laboratory work confirms this: structures similar to 5-Methylresorcinol help engineers design materials that must weather months of sunlight without losing function.
Straightforward names sometimes hide complexity behind the scenes. The further you look, the more surprising applications surface. During dye synthesis, for example, the pattern of hydroxyl and methyl groups helps bind colorants to textile fibers and hair. This quality drives innovation, but it also spotlights the need for safe handling rules. I’ve seen firsthand how modest changes to a single molecule affect both product safety and waste treatment.
Wider use always brings a call for smart stewardship. Regulations around chemicals in consumer goods already reflect growing concerns about residue, breakdown in the environment, and skin safety. Skin sensitivity tests and environmental reviews help keep formulas safe for the end user. Transparency around chemical ingredients stands out as one of the most reliable ways to build public trust. Brands that invest in better toxicity testing and clear labeling signal respect for people’s health and the limits of ecological systems.
Switching to safer or greener chemistry often asks for molecule-by-molecule scrutiny. People have shared stories about allergic reactions to hair dyes. Scientists have responded by tracing reactions back to certain substitutions on a benzene ring, then using findings to drive regulatory changes and develop less reactive dyes. This evolution shows up across several industries: shifting away from legacy chemicals, sharing up-to-date toxicology data, and building incentives for clean research and development.
Every structure, no matter how invisible in daily life, carries weight in science and society. Whether you’re developing hair dye or researching better polymers, deep dives into small molecular differences—like the ones found in 5-Methylresorcinol—set the stage for safer, more innovative solutions. It’s worth spending more time asking exactly what a molecule does, where it ends up, and how it fits into both human health and the environment.
5-Methylresorcinol pops up in a lot of lab catalogs. Chemists and product developers see it as a simple phenolic compound — a cousin to other resorcinols that find their way into shampoos, dyes, and certain specialty treatments. Plenty of folks outside science haven’t heard of it. Many of us who spend time reading material safety data sheets notice red flags right away when we see words like “skin irritant” or “toxic if inhaled.”
Lab safety lessons stick with you. It only takes one careless moment splashing a chemical across your skin to make you wonder what you’re exposed to. With 5-Methylresorcinol, a substance with similar roots to resorcinol itself, the main concern centers around irritation. Common side effects include redness, itchiness, and rash where it touches the skin. Accidentally getting this stuff in the eyes leads to burning or stinging. Breathing in its dust can cause discomfort in the nose and throat.
Some reports list headaches or mild dizziness when the fumes get strong in a tight workspace. In higher concentrations or longer exposures, animal studies flag up heavier risks: possible effects on organs and the nervous system. That knowledge keeps me double-checking my gloves and mask around the stuff.
It’s easy to brush off mild irritation, but there are stories of folks heading to the urgent care after exposure. People with sensitive skin or allergies tend to react faster and more severely. If you’ve had a rash or eczema from hair dye, there’s a real chance you’ll feel the effects of 5-Methylresorcinol too. Repeated exposure makes things worse. Chronic contact leads to cracked, painful skin and even chemical burns over time.
Reliable, peer-reviewed research on long-term side effects for humans remains slim — most safety warnings draw from animal data and related compounds. The European Chemicals Agency points out that 5-Methylresorcinol shouldn’t be let loose in water systems either. Aquatic life takes a hit if it leaks out, putting responsibility back on handling and disposal methods.
Years working in labs teach habits: gloves go on before opening bottles, goggles don’t slip off, good ventilation rules above all else. These steps cut down most side effects for people. Product developers and manufacturers keep a close eye on workplace limits, and bulk storage stays contained. Washing hands — simple as it sounds — prevents a world of pain.
At home, nobody wants harsh chemicals in their shampoos or skin products unless safety testing clears them. Companies more often look for gentler alternatives. Countries like those in the EU enforce stricter rules on what gets added to personal-care formulas. If 5-Methylresorcinol appears in a product, ingredient labels should show it. Reading those labels has saved me from some itchy afternoons.
Better safety data helps everyone — whether you’re filling bottles at a plant or mixing ingredients in a hobbyist’s garage. Stronger oversight, clearer warnings, and broad sharing of industry safety findings close knowledge gaps. Switching to greener, less hazardous substitutes also lowers risk. As awareness grows, people keep safer both in labs and at home.
References:- European Chemicals Agency, 5-Methylresorcinol Hazard Assessment- PubChem Compound Information- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Chemical Database
5-Methylresorcinol grabs attention among DIY chemists and researchers working on specialized projects. You won’t find it on pharmacy shelves or even in most chemical supply stores. This compound plays a specific role in lab settings, often connected to organic synthesis and sometimes dye production. Some hair dye formulations list it as an ingredient, but, for most consumers, the chemical name itself probably draws a blank stare. For those who actually work with it, sourcing turns into a concern not about “where to buy,” but “how to buy safely and legally.”
Suppliers offering 5-Methylresorcinol typically serve industrial or research clients. Long-standing distributors like Sigma-Aldrich, TCI Chemicals, or Alfa Aesar stock it in their catalogues. They don’t sell to the general public—purchases pass through a registration process. Companies, government labs, and accredited research institutions get a green light after demonstrating a legitimate end use. Even then, paperwork can pile up. Identification, shipping regulations, and verification of credentials become routine. Anyone searching for a way around these steps risks running into either legal hurdles or outright scams.
Scrolling through e-commerce sites turns up a mix of unverified sellers, sometimes even on platforms as big as Amazon or Alibaba. With chemicals, buyer beware is too gentle a warning. People have lost money to poor substitutes or never received anything at all. Some sites disguise dangerous chemicals under slightly changed product names. The safety and ethical questions erupt: without the right controls, dangerous misuse becomes a genuine risk—think about the impact on community safety if hazardous compounds started circulating unchecked.
Regulatory agencies keep a tight watch on compounds like 5-Methylresorcinol for good reason. Synthetic chemicals possess the power to heal or harm, depending heavily on the user’s expertise and intent. Most end users of 5-Methylresorcinol either craft specialty materials or conduct analytical testing. Handing that sort of material to someone without knowledge or protective gear could prompt accidents, fires, or toxic exposures. I’ve spent time in research facilities, witnessing just how fast a small mistake snowballs when protocols aren’t followed. That experience builds respect for strict purchasing channels, not frustration with them.
Making chemical supply transparent protects people on all sides. Credible suppliers carry out background checks for a reason. It isn’t about making life difficult for genuine researchers—it's about limiting the damage one careless hand can do. Clear legal pathways paired with secure delivery give peace of mind. Improving public education about chemical safety would help too: understanding why such controls exist can shift the conversation from “why can’t I buy this easily?” to “how do we protect both buyers and the public?”
My advice for those seeking 5-Methylresorcinol is simple: stick to reputable suppliers and be ready with paperwork. Avoid the shady corners of the web. The real cost of skipping safety steps shows up in accidents, legal trouble, or endangering others. Working within the system keeps chemistry a force for good, not a headline for the wrong reasons.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-Methylbenzene-1,3-diol |
| Other names |
2,4-Dihydroxy-5-methylbenzene 5-Methyl-1,3-benzenediol 5-Methylresorcin |
| Pronunciation | /faɪˌmɛθ.əl.rɪˈsɔːr.sɪ.nɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 625-84-3 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3Dmol='CC1=CC(=CC(=C1)O)O'` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1208734 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:15614 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL502099 |
| ChemSpider | 134363 |
| DrugBank | DB08230 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.013.793 |
| EC Number | 201-856-3 |
| Gmelin Reference | 822354 |
| KEGG | C02337 |
| MeSH | D013502 |
| PubChem CID | 7233 |
| RTECS number | DW2625000 |
| UNII | MNX3Q34AUU |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H8O2 |
| Molar mass | 124.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | white to beige crystals |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.205 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | slightly soluble |
| log P | 0.97 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0000957 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 9.46 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 9.66 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -52.0·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.578 |
| Viscosity | 100 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.27 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 211.2 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -212.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3409.4 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D01AE20 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302 + H312 + H332: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P310 |
| Flash point | 147°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 540 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 820 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 = 820 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | WI6625000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.05 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Resorcinol 4-Methylresorcinol 2-Methylresorcinol 5-Ethylresorcinol 3-Methylresorcinol |
