C

Catechol

IUPAC: benzene-1,2-diol

C6H6O2 Organic Compounds CAS 120-80-9
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC6H6O2
CAS Number120-80-9
Molecular Weight110.11
Melting Point221 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point473 °F at 760 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992)
Density1.344 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70.7 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceSolid; white; odorless. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
Also Known Asbenzene-1,2-diol; pyrocatechol; 120-80-9; 1,2-dihydroxybenzene; 1,2-benzenediol; pyrocatechin; 2-hydroxyphenol; o-Dihydroxybenzene; o-Hydroxyphenol; o-Benzenediol
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Catechol?

Catechol can cause cancer according to The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Formula & Notation

C6H6O2

IUPAC Name: benzene-1,2-diol

Other Names / Synonyms: benzene-1,2-diol; pyrocatechol; 120-80-9; 1,2-dihydroxybenzene; 1,2-benzenediol; pyrocatechin; 2-hydroxyphenol; o-Dihydroxybenzene; o-Hydroxyphenol; o-Benzenediol

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Solid; white; odorless. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999). Molecular formula: C6H6O2. Molecular weight: 110.11 g/mol. Boiling point: 473 °F at 760 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 221 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.344 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70.7 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 5 mmHg at 219 °F ; 10 mmHg at 244.9 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 0.9.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point221 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point473 °F at 760 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992)
Density1.344 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight110.11
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70.7 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceSolid; white; odorless. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Catechol
Formula C6H6O2
CAS Number 120-80-9
Molecular Weight 110.11
Category Organic Compounds
Index All "C" terms
Synonyms benzene-1,2-diol; pyrocatechol; 120-80-9; 1,2-dihydroxybenzene; 1,2-benzenediol; pyrocatechin; 2-hydroxyphenol; o-Dihydroxybenzene; o-Hydroxyphenol; o-Benzenediol

Frequently Asked Questions

Catechol can cause cancer according to The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

More "C" Terms

2-Chlorotoluene C7H7Cl 4-Chlorotoluene C7H7Cl Cadmium Cd Caesium Cs Caffeine C8H10N4O2 Calcium Ca Calcium acetate C4H6CaO4 Calcium carbide CaC2 Calcium carbonate CaCO3 Calcium chloride CaCl2 Calcium fluoride CaF2 Calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2
View all "C" terms →
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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.

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For educational purposes only. Verify all information before use.