Resorcinol, also known as 1,3-benzenediol and resorcin, is a white crystalline organic compound with the molecular formula C₆H₆O₂ and CAS number 108-46-3. It has a faint characteristic odor and a sweetish taste followed by a bitter aftertaste. Resorcinol is widely used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of adhesives, resins, dyes, plasticizers, and UV absorbers, and is also used in pharmaceutical and personal care applications as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and treatment for chronic skin conditions.
Resorcinol is available for shipping throughout the continental United States with a one-week lead time. It is supplied in 25kg bags with special packaging available upon request.
The Chemical Company is a Resorcinol distributor based in Rhode Island.
TCC Resorcinol is available for shipping throughout the continental United States with one (1) week lead time. Please call (401) 423-3100 for details. Resorcinol is shipped in 25kg bags. Special packaging is available on request. Call (401) 423-3100 or complete our contact us form for more information.
Resorcinol (C₆H₆O₂) is a white crystalline solid that turns pink upon exposure to light if not completely pure. It is flammable, although ignition is difficult, and is considered slightly toxic. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether.
Resorcinol is an isomer of catechol and hydroquinone, differing in the position of the two hydroxyl groups on the benzene ring. In resorcinol, the hydroxyl groups are positioned meta to each other (1,3 positions), which gives it distinct chemical reactivity compared to its isomers. It is produced commercially by the sulfonation of benzene followed by alkali fusion, or by the oxidation of diisopropylbenzene.
In industrial manufacturing, resorcinol is a key intermediate in the production of resorcinol-formaldehyde resins, which are widely used as adhesives in the bonding of rubber to textile cords and steel in tire manufacturing. It is also used in the production of diazo dyes, UV stabilizers and absorbers in resins and coatings, plasticizers, and functional fluids. Additional industrial uses include plating agents, surface treating agents, paint and coating additives, and process regulators.
In pharmaceuticals and personal care, resorcinol is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant, and is applied in concentrations of 5 to 10% in ointments for the treatment of chronic skin conditions including psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and sub-acute eczema. It is also used in hair dye formulations and acne treatment products.
Resorcinol is used across several industries and applications, including:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Resorcinol |
| CAS Number | 108-46-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₆O₂ |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid (turns pink on exposure to light if impure) |
| Odor | Faint, characteristic odor |
| Taste | Sweetish, followed by bitter aftertaste |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, alcohol, and ether |
| Melting Point | 110–111°C |
| Boiling Point | 281°C |
| Flammability | Flammable; difficult to ignite |
| Stability | Sensitive to light; store in a cool, dark location |
Resorcinol is available in the following packaging format:
Special packaging is available upon request. Contact The Chemical Company for current lead times and supply chain updates.
Resorcinol is primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of resorcinol-formaldehyde resins for tire and rubber manufacturing, adhesives, dyes, UV absorbers, and plasticizers. In pharmaceuticals and personal care, it is used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and active ingredient in topical treatments for psoriasis, eczema, acne, and hair dye formulations.
Resorcinol, catechol, and hydroquinone are all isomers of benzenediol, meaning they share the same molecular formula (C₆H₆O₂) but differ in the position of the two hydroxyl groups on the benzene ring. In resorcinol, the hydroxyl groups are in the 1,3 (meta) positions. In catechol they are in the 1,2 (ortho) positions, and in hydroquinone they are in the 1,4 (para) positions. These structural differences give each isomer distinct chemical properties and applications.
The CAS number for Resorcinol is 108-46-3.
Resorcinol is considered slightly toxic and is flammable, though difficult to ignite. It may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, and can be absorbed through the skin in concentrated form. It is not classifiable as a human carcinogen. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when handling the material, and it should be stored away from light and heat sources.
Resorcinol is produced commercially by two main methods: the sulfonation of benzene followed by alkali fusion, or by the oxidation of diisopropylbenzene (the cumene process variant). The latter method has become increasingly prevalent due to its efficiency and lower environmental impact.
Resorcinol is available in 25kg bags with a one-week lead time for shipping throughout the continental United States. Special packaging is available upon request. Contact The Chemical Company at (401) 360-2800 for current pricing, lead times, and supply chain updates.
"*" indicates required fields
