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Resorcinol has bactericidal, fungicidal and anti-itching effect with the bactericidal effect being 1/3 of the phenol and also a low irritating and corrosive property.
Resorcinol can play the role promoting the regeneration of horny while having keratin exfoliation effect at high concentration.
Resorcinol is mainly used for rubber adhesives, plastics, synthetic resins, synthetic fibers, dyes, preservatives, anti-itch, anti-fungal agent, analytical reagent and can also be used to treat ringworm, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, acne and psoriasis.
CAS Number: 108-46-3
Molecular Formula: C6H6O2
Molecular Weight: 110.11
EINECS Number:203-585-2
Synonyms:resorcinol, 108-46-3, benzene-1,3-diol, 1,3-Benzenediol, 1,3-Dihydroxybenzene, Resorcin, m-Hydroquinone, m-Hydroxyphenol, m-Dihydroxybenzene, 3-Hydroxyphenol, Resorcine, m-Benzenediol, m-Dioxybenzene, Dihydroxybenzol, Resorzin, Developer O, Developer R, Developer RS, Fouramine RS, Fourrine EW, Pelagol RS, Pelagol Grey RS, Resorcinolum, Fourrine 79, Nako TGG, Durafur developer G, C.I. Oxidation Base 31, Phenol, m-hydroxy-, C.I. Developer 4, Benzene, m-dihydroxy-, Rcra waste number U201, FEMA No. 3589, Benzene, 1,3-dihydroxy-, 3-Hydroxycyclohexadien-1-one, Resorcinum, Resorcinol (USP), NCI-C05970, C.I. 76505, DTXSID2021238, YUL4LO94HK, NSC-1571, Resorcinol [USP], EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 071401, CHEBI:27810, DTXCID601238, C.I.-76505, 203-585-2, Tilloderm, RefChem:6491, Resorcinol; 1,3-benzenediol, Acnomel, Rezamid, Sulforcin, RCRA waste no. U201, NSC 1571, MFCD00002269, .alpha.-Resorcinol, Resorcin (JAN), Resorcin (TN), CHEMBL24147, Resorcinol [UN2876] [Poison], NCGC00091501-01, RESORCIN [JAN], BENZENE,1,3-DIHYDROXY RESORCINOL, RCO, Caswell No. 723, Rezorsine, 1,3-Dihydroxybenzene (Resorcinol), Rodol RS, CAS-108-46-3, CCRIS 4052, HSDB 722, EINECS 203-585-2, UNII-YUL4LO94HK, UN2876, BRN 0906905, Remazol, AI3-03996, m-hydroxy-phenol, 3-hydroxy-phenol, Resorcinol, ACS, 3aqt, 3-Hydroxy phenol, Resorcinol, 8CI, benzen-1,3-diol, Resorcinol, Reagent, 1,3-benzene diol, Resorcine, technical, 1,3-dihyroxybenzene, 1,3-Dihydroxybenzol, Acnomel (Salt/Mix), Eskamel (Salt/Mix), Rezamid (Salt/Mix), phenol derivative, 3, Resorcinol; >99%, Benzene,3-dihydroxy-, Sulforcin (Salt/Mix), 1,3-dihydroxy-benzene, Spectrum_000173, RESORCINOL [MI], Spectrum2_001310, Spectrum3_000895, Spectrum4_000990, Spectrum5_001152, RESORCINOL [FHFI], RESORCINOL [HSDB], RESORCINOL [IARC], RESORCINUM [HPUS], WLN: QR CQ, RESORCINOL [VANDF], bmse000415, EC 203-585-2, Phloroglucinol Impurity 13, RESORCINOL [MART.], 1,3-Dihydroxybenzene, XII, NCIOpen2_003867, RESORCINOL [USP-RS], RESORCINOL [WHO-DD], SCHEMBL15515, KBioGR_001399, KBioSS_000653, Resorcinol, >=98%, FG, Resorcinol, Flake, Technical, Resorcinol, LR, >=99%, 4-06-00-05658 (Beilstein Handbook Reference), BIDD:ER0285, DivK1c_000041, SCHEMBL127328, SCHEMBL128334, SCHEMBL417719, SCHEMBL713815, SPECTRUM1500527, SPBio_001379, Resorcinol, BioXtra, >=99%, SCHEMBL1576970, SCHEMBL8372367, SCHEMBL10938040, SCHEMBL10943889, BDBM26189, FEMA 3589, HMS500C03, KBio1_000041, KBio2_000653, KBio2_003221, KBio2_005789, KBio3_001810, Resorcinol, reagent grade, 98%, NSC1571, RESORCINOL [EP MONOGRAPH], 4e49, NINDS_000041, HMS1920P06, HMS2092G07, Pharmakon1600-01500527, RESORCINOL [USP MONOGRAPH], Resorcinol (1,3-Dihydroxybenzene), HY-B0907, Resorcinol, ReagentPlus(R), 99%, Tox21_111140, Tox21_202417, Tox21_300140, CCG-39248, MSK000085, MSK000085-100WY, NSC757310, Resorcinol 10 microg/mL in Methanol, Resorcinol, Crystalline Powder, USP, SBB040843, STL185604, AKOS000119813, Resorcinol, ACS reagent, >=99.0%, Tox21_111140_1, DB11085, FR07869, MSK000085-1000WY, NSC-757310, UN 2876, IDI1_000041, NCGC00091501-02, NCGC00091501-03, NCGC00091501-04, NCGC00091501-05, NCGC00091501-06, NCGC00253918-01, NCGC00259966-01, Resorcinol, p.a., 99.0-100.5%, AC-14363, BP-21158, DA-67166, LS-13122, Resorcinol, SAJ first grade, >=98.0%, SBI-0051505.P003, Resorcinol(Discontinued,See C4X-221713), Resorcinol, JIS special grade, >=99.0%, FLUORESCEIN IMPURITY A [EP IMPURITY], NS00007013, R0008, S4579, ST50214427, 3-Hydroxycyclohexadien-1-one;3-Hydroxyphenol, EN300-19643, 1,3-BENZENEDIOL; 1,3-DIHYDROXYBENZENE, C01751, D00133, AB00052085_03, HEXYLRESORCINOL IMPURITY B [EP IMPURITY], Resorcinol Solution in Water/Ethanol, 100ug/mL, A801880, F168800, Q408865, Resorcinol Solution in Water/Ethanol, 1000ug/mL, SR-05000002092, FLUORESCEIN SODIUM IMPURITY A [EP IMPURITY], SR-05000002092-1, BRD-K74190368-001-02-7, BRD-K74190368-001-04-3, F1908-0097, Resorcinol, certified reference material, TraceCERT(R), Z104474576, Resorcinol, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard, Resorcinol, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard, InChI=1/C6H6O2/c7-5-2-1-3-6(8)4-5/h1-4,7-8, Hymecromone impurity A, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard, Resorcinol, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material, Cohedur RK;Developer O;Developer R;Developer RS;developero;developerr;developerrs;Dihydroxybenzol
Resorcinol is white needle-like crystal.
Resorcinol will become pink upon exposure to light and air or contact with iron.
Resorcinol has a sweet taste.
Resorcinol is soluble in water, ethanol, amyl alcohol, easily soluble in ether, glycerol, slightly soluble in chloroform, carbon disulfide as well as in benzene.
Resorcinol is a phenolic compound.
Resorcinol is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(OH)2.
Resorcinol is one of three isomeric benzenediols, the 1,3-isomer (or meta-isomer).
Resorcinol crystallizes from benzene as colorless needles that are readily soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, but insoluble in chloroform and carbon disulfide.
Resorcinol is an organic aromatic compound belonging to the family of dihydroxybenzenes, with the chemical formula C₆H₄(OH)₂.
It appears as a white crystalline solid that can slowly turn pink or brown when exposed to light or air due to mild oxidation.
This compound is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, and it exhibits a slightly sweet, phenolic odor.
Chemically, resorcinol is known as benzene-1,3-diol or 1,3-dihydroxybenzene, referring to the positions of its hydroxyl groups on the benzene ring.
It is one of three possible isomers of dihydroxybenzene, the others being catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) and hydroquinone (1,4-dihydroxybenzene).
These hydroxyl groups make resorcinol reactive toward electrophilic substitution and condensation reactions, allowing it to serve as a building block in various chemical syntheses.
Resorcinol is produced industrially through the sulfonation of benzene followed by fusion with sodium hydroxide, or by the alkaline fission of meta-disulfonic acid salts.
Modern production methods also utilize meta-diisopropylbenzene oxidation or hydroperoxide cleavage processes to achieve high yield and purity.
The resulting product is then purified and crystallized for applications in pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and polymers.
In its pure form, resorcinol is a highly versatile intermediate used in numerous industrial fields, from medicine and cosmetics to rubber manufacturing and dye chemistry.
It can act as an antiseptic, a polymer cross-linking agent, or a component in UV-absorbing compounds depending on the formulation.
Its phenolic nature gives it mild antibacterial and antifungal activity, which makes it valuable in dermatological preparations.
Resorcinol is a benzenediol that is benzene dihydroxylated at positions 1 and 3.
Resorcinol has a role as an erythropoietin inhibitor and a sensitiser.
It is a benzenediol, a member of resorcinols and a phenolic donor.
Resorcinol is produced in several steps from benzene, starting with dialkylation with propylene to give 1,3-diisopropylbenzene.
Oxidation and Hock rearrangement of this disubstituted arene gives acetone and resorcinol.
Resorcinol is a relatively inexpensive chemical.
Resorcinol is produced in only a very few locations around the world (as of 2010 only four commercial plants were known to be operative: in the United States, Germany, China, and Japan), and is the determining factor in the cost of PRF adhesives.
Production in the United States ended in 2017 with the closure of Indspec Chemical's plant in Petrolia, Pennsylvania.
Many additional routes exist for resorcinol.
Resorcinol was formerly produced by disulfonation of benzene followed by hydrolysis of the 1,3-disulfonate.
This method has been discarded because it cogenerates so much sulfur-containing waste.
Resorcinol can also be produced when any of a large number of resins (such as galbanum and asafoetida) are melted with potassium hydroxide, or by the distillation of Brazilwood extract.
Resorcinol may be synthesized by melting 3-iodophenol, phenol-3-sulfonic acid with potassium carbonate. Diazotization of 3-aminophenol or on 1,3-diaminobenzene followed by hydrolysis provides yet another route.
Many ortho- and para-compounds of the aromatic series (for example, the bromophenols, benzene-para-disulfonic acid) also yield resorcinol on fusion with potassium hydroxide.
Resorcinol is mainly used in the production of resins.
As a mixture with phenol, it condenses with formaldehyde to afford adhesives.
Such resins are used as adhesives in the rubber industry and others are used for wood glue.
In relation to its conversion resins with formaldehyde, resorcinol is the starting material for resorcinarene rings.
Resorcinol is present in over-the-counter topical acne treatments at 2% or less concentration, and in prescription treatments at higher concentrations.
Resorcinol, C6H4(OH)(O–COCH3), is used under the name of Euresol.
Resorcinol is used in hidradenitis suppurativa with limited evidence showing it can help with resolution of the lesions.
Resorcinol is one of the active ingredients in products such as Resinol, Vagisil, and Clearasil.
In the 1950s and early 1960s the British Army used it, in the form of a paste applied directly to the skin.
One such place where this treatment was given to soldiers with chronic acne was the Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot, England.
Resorcinol was not always successful.
Resorcinol is also chemically significant for its strong reactivity with aldehydes and ketones, forming resins and complex organic derivatives.
It readily undergoes condensation with formaldehyde to produce resorcinol-formaldehyde resin, an adhesive known for excellent strength and chemical resistance.
This property is widely exploited in the production of rubber adhesives, high-performance wood glues, and composite materials.
The compound is thermally stable, yet sensitive to oxidation under prolonged exposure to air or moisture, leading to gradual discoloration.
It decomposes upon heating and emits irritating fumes of phenols and carbon oxides.
For this reason, resorcinol should be stored in tightly sealed containers, away from heat, light, and oxidizing agents.
In the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors, resorcinol plays an important role in skin-care and hair-treatment formulations.
It is used in acne creams, dandruff shampoos, and hair-dyeing products for its keratolytic and antimicrobial properties.
When applied to the skin, it promotes exfoliation by breaking down hardened or scaly layers, supporting healthy skin renewal.
Resorcinol is a multifunctional compound combining chemical reactivity, antiseptic strength, and industrial adaptability.
Its structural simplicity and wide range of derivatives make it an essential raw material in the synthesis of dyes, polymers, pharmaceuticals, and specialty coatings.
Because of these versatile characteristics, it remains a cornerstone in both laboratory research and large-scale manufacturing chemistry.
Melting point : 109–112 °C (lit.)
Boiling point : 281 °C
Density : 1.27
Bulk density : 600–700 kg/m³
Vapor density : 3.8 (vs air)
Vapor pressure : 1 mm Hg (21.1 °C)
Refractive index : 1.5781
FEMA : 3589 | RESORCINOL
Flash point : 340 °F
Storage temperature : Store below +30°C
Solubility : H₂O – soluble 1 M at 20°C, clear, faintly yellow
Form : Liquid
Colour Index : 76505
pKa : 9.81 (at 25°C)
Color : White
pH : 4–6 (100 g/L, H₂O, 20°C)
Odor : At 1.00% in propylene glycol – nutty, creamy, phenolic, hawthorn, musty
Odor type : Nutty
Biological source : Synthetic
Explosive limit : 1.4% (V)
Water solubility : 140 g/100 mL
Sensitive : Light sensitive
Merck : 14,8155
JECFA Number : 712
BRN : 906905
Exposure limits : TLV-TWA 10 ppm (≈45 mg/m³) (ACGIH); STEL 20 ppm (ACGIH)
Dielectric constant : 3.2 (0.0°C)
Stability : Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. May discolor on exposure to air or light.
InChIKey : GHMLBKRAJCXXBS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP : 0.8 at 20°C
Resorcinol partial hydrogenation of resorcinol gives dihydroresorcinol, also known as 1,3-cyclohexanedione.
It reduces Fehling's solution and ammoniacal silver solutions.
Resorcinol does not form a precipitate with lead acetate solution, as does the isomeric pyrocatechol.
Iron(III) chloride colors its aqueous solution a dark-violet, and bromine water precipitates tribromoresorcinol.
These properties are what give it its use as a colouring agent for certain chromatography experiments.
Sodium amalgam reduces it to dihydroresorcin, which when heated to 150 to 160 °C with concentrated barium hydroxide solution gives γ-acetylbutyric acid.
When fused with potassium hydroxide, resorcinol yields phloroglucin, pyrocatechol, and diresorcinol.
It condenses with acids or acid chlorides, in the presence of dehydrating agents, to oxyketones, for example, with zinc chloride and glacial acetic acid at 145 °C it yields resacetophenone (HO)2C6H3COCH3.
With the anhydrides of dibasic acids, it yields fluoresceins, when heated with calcium chloride—ammonia to 200 °C it yields meta-dioxydiphenylamine.[14]
With sodium nitrite it forms a water-soluble blue dye, which is turned red by acids, and is used as a pH indicator under the name of lacmoid.
Resorcinol condenses readily with aldehydes, yielding with formaldehyde, on the addition of catalytic hydrochloric acid, methylene diresorcin [(HO)C6H3(O)]2CH2.
Reaction with chloral hydrate in the presence of potassium bisulfate yields the lactone of tetra-oxydiphenyl methane carboxylic acid.
In alcoholic solution it condenses with sodium acetoacetate to form 4-methylumbelliferone.
In addition to electrophilic aromatic addition, resorcinol (and other polyols) undergo nucleophilic substitution via the enone tautomer.
Nitration with concentrated nitric acid in the presence of cold concentrated sulfuric acid yields trinitroresorcin (styphnic acid), an explosive.
Resorcinol is a 1,3-isomer (or meta-isomer) of benzenediol with the formula C6H4(OH)2.
It is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in topical pharmaceutical products in the treatment of skin disorders and infections such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, corns, calluses, and warts.
Resorcinol exerts a keratolytic activity. Resorcinol works by helping to remove hard, scaly, or roughened skin.
Resorcinol can cause contact dermatitis and has weak irritation effect on skin and mucous membrane.
Resorcinol, when being absorbed through broken skin and wound surface in the large amount, can lead to myxedema.
Because this product can be absorbed through the skin or ulcers, and thus is not suitable or being applied to infants and young children in high concentration and large-scale.
Poisoning symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, severe or persistent headache, fatigue or weakness, being prone to excitement or irritability, sleepiness, sweating, bradycardia, and shortness of breath.
Applying this product to the wound of children can lead to methaemoglobinaemia.
Since this product has anti-thyroid effects, systemic effects is similar as phenol poisoning, but often accompanied with convulsions.
Resorcinol can turn pale hair to black color; it can cause skin redness and scaling at a few days after treatment; take this drug with caution.
Dark-skinned patients may be caused by its stimulation of pigment generation.
When being used in combination with soaps, cleansers, acne preparations, preparations containing alcohol or acid-dimensional A, it can cause skin irritation or excessive drying effect.
Resorcinol has anti-thyroid effects; it can lead to myxedema upon long term use (especially used in ulcer surface).
Resorcinol is toxic and thus this product can’t subject to systemic or long-term use; avoid applying it to the broken skin wound in order to preventing poisoning.
Benzene sulfonic acid is sulfonated with oleum; further go through neutralization, alkaline melting, acidification, n-butanol extraction, evaporation of the solvent, and distillation to obtain the finished products.
Resorcinol can be produced through the hydrogenation of m-dinitrobenzene into m-phenylenediamine which is further subject to hydrolysis to get the finished product.
Resorcinol can be produced from the hydrolysis of m-aminophenol.
Resorcinol can also derived from benzene and propylene using peroxide di-isopropylbenzene method with the process being similar as isopropylbenzene production.
Put benzene, 65% fuming sulfuric acid and sodium sulfate separately into the reactor; control the reaction temperature at 75 ℃ to obtain the sulphonate.
Then add anhydrous sodium sulfate to this sulphonate, stir and heat to 175 ℃ for dissolving it; Add sulfur trioxide at this temperature and continue the reaction for an additional 1.5h to generate di-sulphonate (with the content of benzene disulfonic acid being 75%).
Use dilute alkali to neutralize the di-sulphonate and remove the excess amount of sulfate salt; the resulting sodium benzene di-sulfonate is gradually added into the molten sodium hydroxide 290 °C; raise the temperature to 325 °C within 15min and further dissolve the alkali melting substance in water; acidify it with sulfuric acid and extract with ether; evaporate the solvent to obtain the finished resorcinol products.
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location.
Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage.
Before entering confined space where this chemicalmay be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist.
Store in tightly closed containersin a cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidizers, oil, ferric salts, methanol, acetanilide, albumin, antipyrine, andurethane.
Where possible, automatically transfer materialfrom drums or other storage containers to process containers.
Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames,are prohibited where this chemical is handled, used, orstored.
Metal containers involving the transfer of this chemical should be grounded and bonded.
Wherever this chemical is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, useexplosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Resorcinol, a phenol derivative, is less keratolytic than salicylic acid.
This drug is an irritant and sensitizer and reported to be both bactericidal and fungicidal.
Solutions containing 1% to 2% have been used in preparations for seborrhea, acne, and psoriasis.
Resorcinol is a very white crystalline solid that becomes pink on exposure to light if not completely pure.
Burns although ignition is difficult. Density approximately 1.28 g / cm3. Irritating to skin and eyes.
Toxic by skin absorption, used to make plastics and pharmaceuticals.
Resorcinol, phenolic compound used in the manufacture of resins, plastics, dyes, medicine, and numerous other organic chemical compounds.
Resorcinol is produced in large quantities by sulfonating benzene with fuming sulfuric acid and fusing the resulting benzenedisulfonic acid with caustic soda.
Reaction with formaldehyde produces resins used to make rayon and nylon amenable to impregnation with rubber, and as adhesives.
As a chemical intermediate, resorcinol is converted to dyes, explosives, and pharmaceuticals; it is also employed in photographic developers and cosmetics.
In medicine it is used externally in ointments and lotions as an antifungal.
Uses Of Resorcinol:
Resorcinol is an important raw material for organic synthesis.
It is mainly used as the raw material of rubber adhesives, raw analysis reagents, drugs and preservatives, dyes, synthetic resin.
For example, eosin is an important triphenylmethane dye with red dying which is mainly used for yarn dyeing.
Resorcinol is made from the following process: first generate its intermediate fluorescent yellow thorough the co-heating between resorcinol and phthalic anhydride in the presence of zinc chloride or concentrated sulfuric acid, then apply tetra-bromination to generate it.
Eosin is commonly used to produce red ink, also be used as biological material such as the staining agent for microscopic examination.
If the intermediate fluorescent yellow is subject to bromination in acetic acid solution, only di-bromination can occur; further co-heating with mercuric acetate can obtain mercurochrome (also known as red mercury bromine) which is an important antiseptic disinfectant.
Resorcinol is easily soluble in water with its 2% aqueous solution being the daily-used “red syrup” for disinfection.
The alcohol and acetone solution of mercurochrome may also be used for skin disinfection. Put resorcinol and hexanoic acid for acylation reaction and further reduction can generate 4-n-hexyl hydroquinone which is also a kind of disinfectant.
In medicine, it is also used as a topical anti-itch agent and a digestive agent of the intestinal tract.
Resorcinol is used in the manufacture of resorcinol–formaldehyde resins, resin adhesives, dyes, drugs, andexplosives; in tanning; in cosmetics; and in dyeing and printing textiles.
A benzene derivative used as keratolytic and antiseborrheic. Also used in veterinary medicine as a topical antipruritic and antiseptic (has been used as intestinal antiseptic).
In very mild solutions, resorcinol is used as an anti-septic and soothing preparation for itchy skin.
In slightly higher concentrations, resorcinol removes the top layer of the stratum corneum and is used particularly in cases of acne.
In still higher concentrations, it can act as an aggressive surface skin exfoliant. Resorcinol can also be used as a preservative.
While Resorcinol is a beneficial skin care ingredient when used in low concentrations, it causes irritation in higher concentrations with a strong burning sensation and a reddening of the skin.
Resorcinol is used in high concentrations as a peel, resorcinol may cause a variety of problems, including swelling.
It is obtained from various resins.
Resorcinol is used as a chemical intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds.
Resorcinol is used in the production of diazo dyes and plasticizers and as a UV absorber in resins.
Resorcinol is an analytical reagent for the qualitative determination of ketoses (Seliwanoff's test).
Resorcinol is the starting material for the initiating explosive lead styphnate.
Resorcinol can be used as the raw materials for the production of synthetic resins, adhesives, dyes and ultraviolet absorbing agent.
It can also be used as the dipped cord of tire. Medically it can be used as the disinfection antiseptic agent.
Resorcinol is also known as 1, 3-hydroquinone.
In the field of pesticides, it can be used as the intermediate 3-chloro-4-methyl coumarin and herbicide oxyfluorfen in the synthesis of pesticides coumaphos.
It can also be used for the production of dyes, specialty coatings, pharmaceuticals, photographic material, synthetic resins, adhesives, and cosmetics.
Resorcinol is mainly used for the field of rubber adhesives, synthetic resins, dyes, preservative, pharmaceutical and analytical reagents.
Resorcinol is similar with phenol and cresol.
It can generate condensation polymer through the reaction with formaldehyde.
It can be used for making glue silk and the adhesive agent of tire cord for nylon-purpose, making wood glue, and being as the adhesive for vinyl material and metal.
Resorcinol is the intermediate of many kinds of azo dyes and fur dyes as well as the raw material of pharmaceutical intermediates, p-nitrogen salicylic acid.
Resorcinol has bactericidal effects and can be used as preservatives for being supplied to cosmetics and dermatological drugs pastes and ointments.
The resorcinol derivatives, β-methylumbelliferone can be used as the intermediate for optical bleach; tri-nitro resorcinol is detonator.
There is also a considerable amount of resorcinol being used in the production of benzophenone-class ultraviolet absorbers.
Resorcinol can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, can cause poisoning disease through the rapid absorption by the skin.
Minimum lethal dose of rat being subject to subcutaneous injection is 450mg/kg.
Resorcinol can be applied to the fields of photographic film, medicines, dyes and chemical fiber industry.
It can also be used as reagents for analysis.
Resorcinol can be used for characterization and determination of zinc, lead, tartaric acid, nitrate and nitrite through colorimetric method; it can also applied to the colorimetric reaction for measuring sugar and Furfuryl alcohol; as the reagent for detecting ketone sugars and lignin; it can also applied to the salt reagent of diazonium compound as well as to organic synthesis.
Resorcinol is a multifunctional compound with a wide range of applications across industrial, medical, and cosmetic fields.
It serves as a key intermediate chemical in the manufacture of dyes, adhesives, and resins, owing to its two reactive hydroxyl groups.
These groups allow it to participate in condensation, substitution, and polymerization reactions that create durable and high-performance materials.
One of the primary uses of resorcinol is in the production of resorcinol–formaldehyde resins, which are strong, water-resistant adhesives.
These resins are commonly used in bonding rubber to metal or fabric, such as in tire cords, conveyor belts, and reinforced hoses.
Their high bonding strength and resistance to heat and moisture make them indispensable in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Resorcinol is widely used as a starting material for dyes, UV absorbers, and colorants.
It is an essential raw material in the synthesis of fluorescent and azo dyes that provide deep and stable coloration in textiles, plastics, and inks.
Additionally, its ultraviolet-absorbing ability allows it to serve as a base for UV stabilizers in polymers and coatings, protecting surfaces from light degradation.
In the cosmetic and dermatological industries, resorcinol is valued for its keratolytic and antiseptic properties.
It is frequently included in formulations to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis.
By softening and shedding dead skin cells, resorcinol helps clear clogged pores and improve the skin’s texture and appearance.
Resorcinol is also found in hair-dye formulations, where it functions as a dye coupler or intermediate.
It reacts with other color precursors during the oxidative dyeing process to produce rich and stable tones, particularly browns and blacks.
Because of its chemical compatibility and consistent coloration, it is commonly used in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes.
In pharmaceuticals, resorcinol acts as an antiseptic and disinfectant in topical preparations such as ointments and creams.
It provides relief for minor skin infections, warts, calluses, and fungal growths due to its mild bactericidal action.
It is also used in formulations that help dissolve thickened or keratinized skin layers, promoting faster healing and regeneration.
Resorcinol plays an important role in analytical chemistry and laboratory synthesis.
It serves as a reagent for the identification of certain metals and carbohydrates due to its ability to form colored complexes under acidic conditions.
This property is particularly utilized in colorimetric assays, spectrophotometric analyses, and chemical testing of sugars.
In industrial coatings and plastics, resorcinol derivatives function as stabilizers and antioxidants that prevent polymer degradation.
They enhance the durability of materials exposed to UV radiation and oxidative stress, such as outdoor paints, varnishes, and molded plastics.
These applications extend the lifespan and performance of consumer and construction materials.
Resorcinol is used in the production of flame retardants and photographic chemicals as well.
Its phenolic structure allows it to react with halogenated compounds and develop fire-resistant coatings.
It also serves as a developer and stabilizer in photographic films and papers, where it aids in image formation.
In rubber processing, resorcinol-based compounds strengthen adhesion between synthetic rubber and reinforcing fabrics or metals.
This improves the durability and mechanical stability of industrial tires, drive belts, and mechanical seals.
The compound’s reactivity with formaldehyde creates a strong interfacial layer that enhances long-term bond performance under stress.
Beyond manufacturing, resorcinol is sometimes used in veterinary and medical formulations as an external antiseptic.
It helps disinfect wounds and reduce itching or scaling in animals, particularly in dermatological treatments.
However, its medical use is typically limited to topical application, as internal ingestion can be harmful.
In summary, resorcinol’s diverse uses stem from its dual hydroxyl functionality and strong reactivity.
It plays a central role in producing adhesives, dyes, polymers, and cosmetic formulations.
Its adaptability across industrial and pharmaceutical domains makes it one of the most important intermediates in modern organic chemistry.
Safety Profile Of Resorcinol:
Human poison by ingestion, experimental poison by ingestion, intraperitoneal, parenteral, and subcutaneous routes.
Moderately toxic experimentally by skin contact and intravenous routes.
Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data.
Human mutation data reported a skin and severe eye irritant.
Resorcinol can cause systemic poisoning by acting as both a blood and nerve poison.
In a suitable solvent, this material can readily be absorbed through human skin and can cause local hyperemia, itching, dermatitis, edema, and corrosion associated with enlargement of regonal lymph glands as well as serious systemic disorders such as restlessness, methemoglobinemia, cyanosis, convulsions, tachycardia, dyspnea, and death.
These same symptoms can be induced by ingestion of the material for poisoning, treat symptomatically.
Used as a topical antiseptic and keratolytic agent combustible when exposed to heat or flame; can react with oxidming materials.
To fight fEe, use water, CO2, dry chemical. Potentially explosive reaction with concentrated nitric acid.
Incompatible with acetadde, alkalies, ferric salts, spirit nitrous ether, urethan. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes
Health Hazard Of Resorcinol:
Inhalation of vapors or dust causes irritation of respiratory tract.
Ingestion causes burns of mucous membranes, severe diarrhea, pallor, sweating, weakness, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, shock, and severe convulsions; may also cause siderosis of the spleen and tubular injury to the kidney.
Contact with eyes causes irritation can be absorbed from wounds or through unbroken skin, producing severe dermatitis, methemoglobinemia, cyanosis, convulsions, tachycardia, dyspnea, and death.
Health Hazard Of Resorcinol:
The acute oral toxicity of resorcinol is moderate in most test animals.
Resorcinol is less toxic than phenol or catechol ingestion or skin absorption can cause methemoglobinemia, cyanosis, and convulsions.
Vapors or dusts are irritant to mucous membranes contact with the skin or eyes can cause strong irritation.
An amount of 100 mg caused severe irritation in rabbit eyes.
