Catechol

Synonyms

Pyrocatechol; 1,2-Benzenediol; 1,2-Dihydroxybenzene; 2-Hydroxyphenol; Benzene, o-dihydroxy-; C.I. 76500; C.I. Oxidation Base 26; CI 76500; CI Oxidation Base 26; Catechin (phenol); Catechol (phenol); Durafur developer C; Fouramine PCH; Fourrine 68; Katechol [Czech]; Oxyphenic acid; PYROCATECHOL; Pelagol Grey C; Phthalhydroquinone; Pyrocatechin; Pyrocatechine; Pyrocatechinic acid; Pyrocatechuic acid; Pyrokatechin [Czech]; Pyrokatechol [Czech]; o-Benzenediol; o-Dihydroxybenzene; o-Dioxybenzene; o-Diphenol; o-Hydroquinone; o-Hydroxyphenol; o-Phenylenediol; ortho-Benzenediol; ortho-Dihydroxybenzene; ortho-Dioxybenzene; ortho-Hydroquinone; ortho-Hydroxyphenol; ortho-Phenylenediol; [ChemIDplus] UN2811

Category

Phenols

Description

Colorless, crystalline solid with a faint odor; Note: Discolors to brown in air & light; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used in the photography, rubber, dye, and oil industries as an antioxidant; also used to produce cosmetics and pharmaceuticals; [ACGIH]

Comments

Repeated doses of catechol may induce methemoglobinemia in experimental animals. [HSDB] Potential skin sensitizer; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC] The solid form will burn skin. [CHRIS]

Biomedical References

Yes

5 ppm

0.03 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 127 deg C; VP from HSDB;

must be preheated

Yes

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

Other CNS neurotoxin

Skin burns

Possible (2b)

Confirmed Animal

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Photographic Processing

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Smoking cigarettes