Agent Name |
Catechol |
Alternative Name |
Pyrocatechol |
CAS Number |
120-80-9 |
Formula |
C6-H6-O2 |
Major Category |
Other Classes |
Synonyms |
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] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
TLV (ACGIH) |
5 ppm |
Vapor Pressure |
0.03 mm Hg |
Explanatory Notes |
Flash point = 127 deg C; |
Flammability (NFPA) |
1: must be preheated |
Adverse Effects |
Methemoglobinemia |
Methemoglobinemia, Secondary |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
Neurotoxin |
Other CNS Neurotoxin |
IARC Carcinogen |
Possible Carcinogen |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: CATECHOL
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