Catechol, known in chemical circles as 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, carries the molecular formula C6H6O2. The structure falls into the category of aromatic compounds, displaying a benzene ring with two hydroxyl groups bonded to adjacent carbon atoms. Many industries turn to catechol when they need a reliable starting point for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, polymer antioxidants, and complex perfumery products. On sight, this substance typically stands out as a white, crystalline solid, although exposure to light and air tends to darken its color. Whether as fine powder or irregular flakes, catechol dissolves easily in water, alcohol, and ether, offering essential versatility for laboratory and industrial tasks.
The molecular nature of catechol brings out a unique set of characteristics that drive its uses and pose both opportunities and risks. The two hydroxyl groups activate the aromatic ring, enabling the material to participate in hydrogen bonding, oxidation, and reduction reactions. Stability loses ground quickly if catechol faces air, and the substance tends to polymerize or oxidize into quinones, commonly leading to a color shift from off-white to dark brown as time passes. The melting point lands around 104°C, and the boiling point hovers near 245°C, marking a solid range for basic transformations or storage. With a density of around 1.34 g/cm³, catechol performs reliably in many solution preparations, dissolving fully in water at room temperature, and taking on a slightly sweet, tar-like odor during handling.
Chemically produced catechol typically comes in different physical forms: crystalline flakes, fine powder, or sometimes as pearls, depending on the manufacturer and end use. Industries often measure out catechol by the liter for solutions, or by weight in bulk raw material purchasing. Exact purity levels—frequently above 99%—determine most commercial grades, with clear documentation of water content, trace impurities, and melting point for quality control. As a solid, catechol appears dry but picks up water from the air with surprising speed, so packaging must be airtight and moisture-free to retain key properties. Larger shipments include hazard labeling due to both its chemical potential and safety risks.
Handling catechol demands solid knowledge of its hazards. The substance qualifies as both potentially harmful and hazardous, triggering skin and respiratory irritation on even mild contact, and causing burns if it contacts eyes or sensitive tissue. Prolonged exposure may have more serious effects, including systemic toxicity, blood disorders, and acute poisoning. Spills and accidental releases require chemical gloves, safety goggles, and reliable ventilation, turning personal protective equipment into an absolute must for both laboratories and industrial settings. Catechol’s safety data sheets list it as both flammable in powder form and harmful by inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through skin. No one familiar with the day-to-day realities of working with raw chemical materials treats this substance casually—rigorous training, standard operating procedures, and spill response resources set the foundation for responsible use.
In trade, catechol most often ships under HS Code 290729, which covers phenols and phenol-alcohols. International logistics require clear hazard declarations, tightly sealed packaging, and temperature control for long transit or warehousing. Raw catechol finds its way into everything from rubber antioxidants to hair dyes, pharmaceuticals, and photographic developers. Chemical companies, big or small, rely on catechol to kickstart syntheses or intermediate reactions building up to more complex target molecules. Many of these industries cannot realistically operate without a steady supply, making shipping reliability and traceability as important as technical purity.
The molecular weight of catechol comes in at roughly 110.11 g/mol. The substance registers a vapor pressure of 0.01 mmHg at 25°C, signifying limited but real volatility, and carries a pKa around 9.3, which dictates acidity and reactivity in water-based solutions. Catechol appears stable under inert atmosphere but falls apart quickly with oxidative stress, and the crystalline solid transforms into sticky melts at just above 100°C. Each of these figures—density, melting point, reactivity—guides storage protocols, process design, and emergency response planning in handling facilities. Fully understanding these metrics keeps day-to-day work safe and productive.
Chemical safety with catechol cannot rely on luck or outdated guidelines. Modern workplace practices revolve around routine health surveillance, up-to-date training, detailed chemical inventory systems, and hazard communication programs. Substituting small-scale, closed reactors for open-air processes reduces the risk of inhalation or skin splashes. Engineering controls, such as local ventilation and spill containment, reduce incident frequency. As research marches forward, safer analogues or process modifications sometimes provide an alternative, though direct substitution proves tough due to catechol’s unique chemistry. Government agencies and scientific organizations keep updating the guidelines in response to new data, so ongoing education remains the only way to maintain an edge against health and safety threats. Those involved in purchase or downstream use must work alongside suppliers to trace the product’s journey, confirming shipment legitimacy and minimizing illicit diversion.
