Chemical
Products
Resorcinol
Cas Number
108-46-3
Other Names
Resorcinol[1],
Resorcin,
m-Dihydroxybenzene,
1,3-Benzenediol,
1,3-Dihydroxybenzene,
3-Hydroxyphenol,
m-Hydroquinone,
m-Benzenediol
The formula
C6H6O2
Introduction
Physical and Chemical Properties
Resorcinol (or resorcin) is a benzenediol (m-dihydroxybenzene).
| Appearance | White crystals or powder |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.28 g/cm3, solid |
| Melting point | 110 °C, 383 K, 230 °F |
| Boiling point | 277 °C, 550 K, 531 °F |
| Solubility in water | 110 g/100 mL at 20 °C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 9.15 |
| Specific gravity | 1.27 |
| Vapour density | 3.8 (air = 1) |
| Explosion limits | 1.4% (lower) |
| Initial M.P. ( °C ≥) | 108 |
| Resorcinol (% ≥) | 99.5 |
| Moisture ( % ≤) | 0.2 |
| Ash (% ≤) | 0.01 |
Applications
Used externally, it is an antiseptic and disinfectant, and is used 5 to 10% in ointments in the treatment of chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and eczema of a sub-acute character. It is present in over-the-counter topical acne treatments at 2% or less concentration, and in prescription treatments at higher concentrations.
Resorcinol is also used as a chemical intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds. It is used in the production of diazo dyes and plasticizers and as a UV absorber in resins.