Cas Number
Other Names
The formula
Resorcinol (or resorcin) is a benzenediol (m-dihydroxybenzene).
Appearance | White crystals or powder |
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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 |
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.