Hydroquinone

C₆H₆O₂

IUPAC: Benzene-1,4-diol

CAS: 123-31-9

Overview

Hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent that inhibits melanin production. It is used in skin lightening products and as a photographic developer.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 6 1.0080
Carbon C 6 12.0110
Oxygen O 2 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×6
5.5%
C
Carbon ×6
65.4%
O
Oxygen ×2
29.1%

Uses

  • • Skin lightening agent
  • • Photography developer
  • • Polymerization inhibitor
  • • Antioxidant

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Bombardier beetles produce hydroquinone which reacts with hydrogen peroxide in their explosive defense mechanism

Safety

  • ⚠ Irritant
  • ⚠ Possible carcinogen at high doses

Structure

SMILES

C1=CC(=CC=C1O)O

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
110.11 g/mol
Density
1.3180 g/cm³
Melting Point
172.3 °C
Boiling Point
287.0 °C
Solubility
59 g/L at 25°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
110.0368
XLogP
0.6
TPSA
40.5 Ų
H-Bond Donors
2
H-Bond Acceptors
2
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
8
Complexity
54.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone (C₆H₆O₂) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Benzene-1,4-diol.
What is the molecular weight of Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone has a molar mass of 110.11 g/mol.
What state is Hydroquinone at room temperature?
Hydroquinone is a solid at room temperature.
Is Hydroquinone organic or inorganic?
Hydroquinone is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone (C₆H₆O₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).