Resorcinol: Definition, Production, Reactions, Properties & Applications

Resorcinol, also known as m-dihydroxybenzene, is an organic compound that is used in the production of medicines, dyes, plastics, adhesives, cosmetics, and various other compounds. Earlier, resorcinol was used to diagnose ulcers, but now it is primarily used as a cooling agent to cure skin conditions like acne vulgaris, cystic acne, and pimples. It has keratolytic properties. Resorcinol functions by aiding in the removal of dull, flaky, or deadened skin. It is dangerous in large amounts and can disturb the functioning of the nervous system as well as cause respiratory illnesses. It can mess with your endocrine glands, especially the thyroid function.

Keyterms: Resorcinol, Organic compound, m-dihydroxybenzene, Benzene, Endocrine glands, Thyroid, Acne, Boiling point, Melting point, Benzenediol

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What is Resorcinol?

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Resorcinol (resorcin) is a 1,3 isomer of benzenediol, also called m-dihydroxy benzene with the chemical formula C₆H₆O₂. If not completely pure, resorcinol is a very white crystalline substance that converts into pink when it is brought out to light.  Its molecular weight is 110.1 g/mol and its Melting and Boiling Point is 110°C and 277°C respectively. Its density is 1.28 g/cm³ and it is completely soluble in water. It has a sweet taste at the beginning which is followed by a bitter taste. It is found in acne and skin-care products that help to get rid of hard, scaly, or rough skin. Acne medicine generally has a concentration of around 2%. When resorcinol is used for skin-related issues, it is more suitable to be applied to the broken skin, enabling more resorcinol to penetrate the skin.

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Production of Resorcinol

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Resorcinol can be produced in several ways. These are as follows:

• It can be produced by dialkylation of benzene with propene. This gives 1,3-diisopropyl benzene. Oxidation and hock arrangements of 1,3-diisopropyl benzene produce acetone and resorcinol.
• It can also be produced by sulfonation of benzene with H₂SO₄ or sulphuric acid which gives benzenesulfonic acid. The resultant is then fused with caustic soda.
• The reaction with formaldehyde generates resins that can be used to impregnate rayon and nylon with rubber and as adhesives. Resorcinol is a chemical intermediate that is used to make dyes, explosive devices, and medical products, as well as photographic developers and skincare products. If we talk about medication, it is used in the form of ointments and lotions that are antifungal.

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Reactions of Resorcinol

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Following are some Reactions of Resorcinol:

• Resorcinol reduces Fehling’s solution and ammoniacal silver solution. In contrast to the isomeric pyrocatechol, it does not precipitate with lead acetate solution.
• Phthalic acid reacts with resorcinol in the presence of concentrated H₂SO₄ (Sulphuric acid) to give fluorescein.
• The lactone of tetra-ox diphenyl methane carboxylic acid is obtained by reacting chloral hydrate with potassium bisulphate in the presence of potassium bisulphate. It combines with sodium acetoacetate in an alcoholic solution to create 4-methylumbelliferone.
• Resorcinol experiences nucleophilic substitution via the neon tautomer in addition to electrophilic aromatic addition. Trinitro resorcin (strychnic acid) is produced by nitration with concentrated nitric acid to form cold concentrated sulfuric acid.

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Properties of Resorcinol

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Properties of Resorcinol are tabulated below:

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Applications of Resorcinol

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The fact that resorcinol is produced in large quantities demonstrates its high market demand and utility. Following are the major applications of resorcinol:

• Resorcinol is used as a disinfectant or an antiseptic in pharmaceutical products.
• It is used in shampoo as an anti-dandruff element.
• It is used to treat skin infections like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, calluses, eczema, warts, and acne.
• The 2% of its solution has been used in the diagnosis of hay fever and whooping cough.
• It is used in the diagnosis of gastric ulcers.  It is also used in various medicated soaps as well.
• It is used in the manufacturing of resins.
• It is also used in explosive materials.
• It is an analytical reagent used to determine the quality of ketoses.
• Because it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, it is also used in the automotive sector.
• Resorcinol is one of the active pharmaceutical ingredients and components in products like Resinol, Vagisil, and Clearasil.

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Things to Remember

Following are some important points:

• Resorcinol (resorcin) is a 1,3 isomer of benzenediol, also called m-dihydroxy benzene with the chemical formula C₆H₆O₂. It is an organic compound that is used in the production of medicines, dyes, plastics, adhesives, cosmetics, and various other compounds.
• It has a sweet taste at the beginning which is followed by a bitter taste. It is found in acne and skin-care products that help to get rid of hard, scaly, or rough skin. Acne medicine generally has a concentration of around 2%.
• There are various ways in which resorcinol can be produced. It can be produced by dialkylation of benzene with propene. It can also be produced by sulfonation of benzene with H2So4 or sulphuric acid which gives benzenesulfonic acid. And the reaction with formaldehyde generates resins that can be used to impregnate rayon and nylon with rubber and as adhesives.
• Resorcinol reacts in many different ways with other substances. Resorcinol reduces Fehling’s solution and ammoniacal silver solution, Phthalic acid reacts with resorcinol in the presence of concentrated H₂SO₄ (Sulphuric acid) to give fluorescein, the lactone of tetra-ox diphenyl methane carboxylic acid is obtained by reacting chloral hydrate with potassium bisulphate in the presence of potassium bisulphate.
• Resorcinol has many different properties in its specific way. Its chemical formula is C₆H₆O₂. If not completely pure, resorcinol is a very white crystalline substance that converts into pink when it is brought out to light. Its molecular weight is 110.1 g/mol and its melting and boiling point is 110 °C and 277 °C respectively. Its density is 1.28 g/cm³ and it is completely soluble in Water, Alcohol, and Ether, and insoluble in Chloroform and Carbon Disulfide.
• Resorcinol is very helpful in many different ways as well. Resorcinol is used as a disinfectant or an antiseptic in pharmaceutical products. It is also used in shampoo as an anti-dandruff element. It is used to treat skin infections like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, calluses, eczema, warts, and acne, and many more. The 2% of its solution has been used in the diagnosis of hay fever and whooping cough.

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