Chemical and physical properties
The chemical formula for catechol is C6H6O2, and its molecular weight is 110.11 g/mol.Catechol occurs as colorless tablets or monoclinic crystals that discolor in air and are soluble in water. It has a faint, phenolic odor; the odor threshold has not been established. The vapor pressure for catechol is 0.03 mm Hg at 20 degree, its log octanol/water partition coefficient (log Kow) is 0.88, and the CAS NO is 120-80-9.
Uses and applications
Synthetic catechol is an organic aromatic compound, appearing under the form of colourless solid flakes which darken upon exposure to air and light. It is mainly used as an intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and in formulation.
It is a precursor to various flavourings such as vanillin or eugenol (synthetic “vanilla” aroma and flavour), used in food industry, perfumery, home and personal care products. This chemical route of vanillin synthesis is far more environmentally friendly than the o-nitrochlorobenzene route. The production is performed using conventional closed vessels. The process is widely acknowledged as the Best Available Technology in terms of reduced water and energy consumption.
Health Hazard Information
Acute Effects:
Skin contact causes eczematous dermatitis in humans.In humans, absorption through the skin results in an illness resembling that induced by phenol, except convulsions are more pronounced.
Large doses of catechol can cause depression of the CNS and a prolonged rise of blood pressure in animals. The rise of blood pressure appears to be due to peripheral vasoconstriction.Due to the lack of information regarding the duration of exposure in the above studies, it is not clear whether these health effects were observed following acute or chronic exposure.Acute animal tests in rats, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits have demonstrated catechol to have high acute toxicity by oral or dermal exposure.
Chronic Effects (Noncancer):
No information is available on the chronic effects of catechol in humans or animals.EPA has not established a Reference Concentration (RfC) or a Reference Dose (RfD) for catechol.
Reproductive/Developmental Effects:
No information is available on the reproductive or developmental effects of catechol in humans or animals.
Cancer Risk:
No information is available on the carcinogenic effects of catechol in humans.In orally exposed rats, adenocarcinomas in the glandular stomach were reported.
Catechol increased the carcinogenic effects of benzo[a]pyrene on the skin in mice when applied together dermally. No increase in malignant tumors was observed in orally exposed mice. EPA has not classified catechol with respect to potential carcinogenicity.IARC has classified catechol as a Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Want to learn more information about Catechol, you can access the guidechem.com. Guidechem.com is just a place for you to look for some chemicals. Guidechem provide the most convenient conditions for the international buyers and let these leads benefit all the business people.