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Hydroquinone

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H4(OH)2
CAS number
123-31-9
IUPAC name
2-phenylbenzene-1,4-diol
State
State

At room temperature, hydroquinone is in a solid state. It is a white or nearly white crystalline substance. Hydroquinone is relatively stable when dry but can darken upon exposure to air or light.

Melting point (Celsius)
172.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
445.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
287.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
560.15
General information
Molecular weight
110.11g/mol
Molar mass
110.1110g/mol
Density
1.3208g/cm3
Appearence

Hydroquinone appears as a granular solid, typically in the form of white crystals. It may also appear as a powder. It is often used in photographic development, as well as in some hair dyes and skin-lightening products. When exposed to air and light, it can gradually change color, turning gray or brownish.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-phenylbenzene-1,4-diol

2-phenylbenzene-1,4-diol, also known as benzophenone-4, exhibits some interesting solubility characteristics that are influenced by its molecular structure. Understanding its solubility is crucial, especially in the context of chemical reactions and formulations where this compound may be utilized.

Solubility Characteristics

The solubility of 2-phenylbenzene-1,4-diol can be summarized as follows:

  • Polar Characteristics: Due to the presence of hydroxyl groups (-OH), the compound exhibits moderate polarity, which can enhance its solubility in polar solvents such as water.
  • Non-polar Solvents: However, the bulky phenyl groups may hinder complete solvation, making the compound less soluble in highly non-polar solvents like hexane or benzene.
  • pH Dependence: It is also noteworthy that the solubility can be affected by pH levels; in acidic or basic conditions, ionization of the hydroxyl group may allow for better interactions with solvents.

General Solubility Insights

In practical terms, the solubility of 2-phenylbenzene-1,4-diol means:

  • It may dissolve moderately well in ethanol and methanol, making these solvents suitable for extracting or utilizing this compound.
  • Care should be taken when attempting to dissolve it in pure water, as the dissolution might be limited due to hydrophobic interactions from the phenyl groups.
  • Understanding these solubility parameters is crucial for applications in synthesis and formulation design, particularly when compatibility with various solvents is a necessity.

In summary, while 2-phenylbenzene-1,4-diol showcases some solubility in polar environments, its overall behavior reflects the balance between its polar functional groups and bulky aromatic structures, emphasizing a careful approach to its application in various chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Phenylbenzene-1,4-diol

2-Phenylbenzene-1,4-diol, commonly known as hydroxyphenylbenzene, is an intriguing compound that belongs to the family of phenolic compounds. Here are some noteworthy highlights:

  • Chemical Structure: This compound features both hydroxyl (-OH) groups and a phenyl ring, which greatly influence its chemical reactivity and interactions.
  • Biological Significance: Many phenolic compounds, including 2-phenylbenzene-1,4-diol, are known for their biological activity, exhibiting properties such as antioxidant capabilities, which are crucial in neutralizing free radicals in living organisms.
  • Applications: It finds use in various fields, including:
    • Pharmaceuticals: As an intermediate in drug synthesis.
    • Cosmetics: Due to its potential antioxidant properties.
    • Material Science: As a building block for more complex chemical entities.
  • Environmental Impact: Compounds like this often undergo biodegradation, suggesting they can naturally break down in the environment, which is favorable for ecological considerations.
  • Research Interest: Scientists are actively investigating the compound's potential in developing new materials and studying its interactions in biological systems.

In summary, 2-phenylbenzene-1,4-diol is not only fascinating from a structural perspective but also offers significant implications in various scientific and industrial domains. Its presence in nature, alongside its potential usefulness, makes it a compelling subject for ongoing research.

Synonyms
Phenylhydroquinone
1079-21-6
2-Phenylhydroquinone
[1,1'-Biphenyl]-2,5-diol
2,5-Dihydroxybiphenyl
Biphenyl-2,5-diol
Hydroquinone, phenyl-
1,4-Benzenediol, phenyl-
2,5-BIPHENYLDIOL
O-Phenylhydroquinone
(1,1'-Biphenyl)-2,5-diol
Phenyl-p-hydroquinone
CCRIS 4279
NSC 407988
2-Phenyl-1,4-benzenediol
EINECS 214-091-1
GPT41T80FJ
BRN 1949429
1,4-dihydroxy-2-phenylbenzene
2-Phenyl-1,4-dihydroxybenzene
AI3-19362
NSC-407988
DTXSID7051553
DIHYDROXYBIPHENYL, 2,5-
2-PHENYL-1,4-HYDROQUINONE
3-06-00-05371 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
DTXCID1030105
214-091-1
2-phenylbenzene-1,4-diol
TFIIH Modulator-12
TFIIH Modulator12
140627-35-6
2,5-Biphenyldiol; [1,1'-biphenyl]-2,5-diol
UNII-GPT41T80FJ
phenyl hydroquinone
K3C
MFCD00002342
1, phenyl-
[1,5-diol
2-Phenylhydroquinone, 7
WLN: QR DQ BR
hydroquinone derivative, 1c
2-Phenylhydroquinone, 97%
SCHEMBL68984
1,1'-biphenyl-2,5-diol
CHEMBL510600
BDBM34125
GLXC-15371
NSC407988
AKOS015915336
CS-W016897
HY-W016181
2,5-Dihydroxybiphenyl, 2,5-Biphenyldiol
AC-26579
AS-58186
DB-020086
D0584
NS00023484
D89683
Q27279224