Interesting facts
Exploring Benzene-1,4-diol and 1,4-benzoquinone
Benzene-1,4-diol, often simply referred to as hydroquinone, and its oxidized form, 1,4-benzoquinone, are fascinating compounds in the realm of organic chemistry. Both have unique structures and properties that make them significant in various applications.
Key Insights
- Structural Relationship: The connection between benzene-1,4-diol and 1,4-benzoquinone is a classic example of oxidation-reduction chemistry. Hydroquinone can be easily oxidized to produce 1,4-benzoquinone, showcasing the transformation and interplay of functional groups.
- Natural Occurrence: Hydroquinone is found in small amounts in numerous plants and is often implicated in the biosynthesis of various metabolites. It can also be produced by the oxidation of catechol, another natural compound.
- Industrial Applications: Both compounds have industrial significance. Hydroquinone is widely used as a reducing agent and in the formulation of photographic developers, while 1,4-benzoquinone is utilized in the production of dyes, and as a precursor in the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceuticals.
- Health & Safety Aspects: It’s vital to approach these compounds with care. While hydroquinone is used in skin lightening products, its use is regulated in many regions due to potential side effects. 1,4-benzoquinone is known to be more toxic and a potential carcinogen.
- Research Interests: The dynamic nature of the transition between these two compounds makes them a key subject in research, particularly concerning electron transfer processes and their roles in biological systems.
In conclusion, the study of benzene-1,4-diol and 1,4-benzoquinone provides a rich insight into the fundamental concepts of organic chemistry, from reaction mechanisms to industrial relevance. These compounds exemplify the beauty and complexity of chemical interactions in our world.
Synonyms
Quinhydrone
106-34-3
Green hydroquinone
p-Benzoquinhydrone
Chinhydron
Chinhydron [Czech]
UNII-P4A66LQ3QJ
p-Benzoquinone-hydroquinone compound (1:1)
EINECS 203-387-6
P4A66LQ3QJ
NSC 36325
Benzoquinone-hydroquinone
QUINHYDRONE [MI]
NSC-36325
DTXSID9059337
CHEBI:26491
benzene-1,4-diol;cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione
2,5-Cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione compd with 1,4-benzenediol (1:1)
p-benzoquinone--hydroquinone compound (1:1)
cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione--benzene-1,4-diol (1:1)
pBenzoquinhydrone
.beta.-Quinhydrone
MFCD00010310
Quinhydrone, 97%
Quinhydrone, puriss.
Quinhydrone, 97.5%
SCHEMBL51208
benzene-1,4-diol; cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione
DTXCID0032992
WLN: L6V DVJ & QR DQ
BDJXVNRFAQSMAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N
NSC36325
AKOS009159488
HY-W140236
Hydroquinone, compd. with pbenzoquinone
pBenzoquinone, compd. with hydroquinone
pBenzoquinonehydroquinone compound (1:1)
LS-14052
CS-0198853
NS00078985
Q0008
benzoquinone compound with hydroquinone (1:1)
EN300-31201
Q3675005
p-Benzoquinone, compd. with hydroquinone (1:1) (8CI)
2,5Cyclohexadiene1,4dione compd. with 1,4benzenediol (1:1)
203-387-6
Solubility of Benzene-1,4-diol and 1,4-benzoquinone
Benzene-1,4-diol (also known as hydroquinone) and 1,4-benzoquinone are compounds that showcase interesting solubility characteristics. Understanding their solubility is crucial for applications in both laboratory settings and industrial processes.
Benzene-1,4-diol (C6H6O2)
Benzene-1,4-diol is moderately soluble in water due to its ability to engage in hydrogen bonding through its hydroxyl groups. However, the following points should be noted:
1,4-benzoquinone (C6H4O2)
1,4-benzoquinone is significantly less polar than benzene-1,4-diol, affecting its solubility:
In summary, while both benzene-1,4-diol and 1,4-benzoquinone demonstrate solubility in various solvents, their interactions with water and organic compounds provide unique opportunities and challenges in their applications. As stated, "Understanding the solubility of a compound is key to grasping its behavior in different environments."