Benzenediol

The dihydroxybenzenes are phenols of substance group consisting of a benzene ring with two hydroxy groups ( -OH) as a substituent. Due to their different arrangement of three structural isomers arise with the molecular formula C6H6O2. They are mainly known under their common names catechol, resorcinol and hydroquinone.

Properties

The hydroquinone, which has the highest symmetry, has the highest melting point. Catechol and hydroquinone can be oxidized in an alkaline medium with formal proton and electron donation to quinones. Resorcinol in the formation of a quinoid system, however, is not possible.