Aminophenol

Aminophenols (also hydroxyanilines, empirical formula C6H7NO ) are organic chemicals, more specifically, aromatic compounds, and are derived from both the aniline and phenol. Different arrangement of the substituents are three constitutional isomers arise. They are used inter alia for the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and photographic developers. The methyl ether form the group of Anisidines, the ethyl ether of the phenetidines.

Naming

In contrast to numerous disubstituted benzenes no separate trivial name has emerged for the aminophenols.

Just as the Anisidines from ordinary registered anisole or toluene Toluidine derived ( nitrogen- containing derivatives of anisole or toluene ), one would have in a similar manner starting from the root name phenol naming can derive Phenidine. However, this will not come, the name Phenidin is, however, for the N- (4- ethoxyphenyl ) acetamide ( = phenacetin ) were used.

Properties

The aminophenols are solid colorless substances. They turn gray to dark gray when exposed to air. They are not very soluble in water, soluble in ethanol and ether. Since they have both a hydroxyl group and an amino group, they are soluble in acids and bases. In basic medium can 2 - and 4 -aminophenol are converted from strong oxidants reversibly to the corresponding quinone (see indophenol, see also Quinones ).

Representation

4- aminophenol is produced by electrolytic reduction of 4- nitrophenol in strong sulfuric acid solution.

Use

Indophenol dye can be produced as an oxidizing agent by the oxidative coupling of 4- aminophenol with phenol in an alkaline solution containing sodium hypochlorite. The aminophenols also serve to illustrate a number of azo dyes.

Momme Andresen discovered in 1888 that 4- aminophenol can be used as a developer for black and white photography. It is known under the trade name Rodinal.

From 4-aminophenol to, inter alia, phenacetin and acetaminophen derived. They both serve as drugs for the treatment of pain and fever reduction.

In the polycondensation of amino phenols with formaldehyde obtained resins, which have gained importance as an anion exchanger.