catechol

[ kat-i-kawl, -kol ]

noun

1. a colorless, crystalline, dihydroxyl derivative of benzene, C 6 H 6 O 2 , the ortho isomer, used chiefly in photography, for dyeing, and as a reagent; pyrocatechol.

catechol

/ ˈkætɪˌtʃɒl; -ˌkɒl /

noun

1. a colourless crystalline phenol found in resins and lignins; 1,2-dihydroxybenzene. It is used as a photographic developer. Formula: C 6 H 4 (OH) 2 Also calledpyrocatechol

catechol

/ kăt′ĭ-kôl′,-kōl′ /

1. A biologically important organic phenol occurring naturally in lignins and resins. It has two hydroxyl groups attached to a benzene ring. Catechol is very caustic and is used in dyeing and as a photographic developer and an antiseptic. Chemical formula: C 6 H 6 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechol¹

First recorded in 1875–80; catech(u) + -ol ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechol¹

C20: from catechu + -ol ¹

Example Sentences

To tether two different exosomes together, the team bioengineered catechol—the sticky hand for iron particles—onto their outer shells.

From Singularity Hub 

They dotted the surface of the exosome wrappers with a molecule, catechol, that grabs onto metal ions.

From Singularity Hub 

These skins are tanned with turwar bark, which contains a catechol tannin.

From Project Gutenberg

Xanthin and catechol browns are pleasing in appearance, but their effect is less rich than that obtained with potash.

From Project Gutenberg

Catechu tannin and catechin are compounds of the catechol tannin type.

From Project Gutenberg

"Quercitannic acid," obtained from oak bark, etc., is likewise a catechol tannin.

From Project Gutenberg

The tannins are divided into two general classes, known respectively as the pyrogallol tannins and the catechol tannins.

From Project Gutenberg