2,5-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol

Definition

ChEBI: Gentisyl alcohol is an aromatic primary alcohol that is benzyl alcohol substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 2 and 5. It has a role as an antioxidant, an antineoplastic agent, an apoptosis inhibitor and a fungal metabolite. It is an aromatic primary alcohol and a member of phenols. It is functionally related to a benzyl alcohol and a hydroquinone.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 97, p. 5272, 1975 DOI: 10.1021/ja00851a042

Purification Methods

Crystallise the alcohol from ligroin, CHCl3, AcOH or H2O. Sublime it at ~70o under high vacuum. [Beilstein 6 II 1084, 6 III 6326.]