Definition
ChEBI: A benzenediol that is benzene dihydroxylated at positions 1 and 3.
General Description
Very white crystalline solid that becomes pink on exposure to light if not completely pure. Burns although ignition is difficult. Density approximately 1.28 g/cm3. Irritating to skin and eyes. Toxic by skin absorption. Used to make plastics and pharmaceuticals.
Reactivity Profile
RESORCINOL(108-46-3) is a weak organic acid. Incompatible with acetanilide, albumin, alkalis, antipyrine, camphor, iron salts, menthol, spirit nitrous ether, and urethane. Can react with oxidizing materials . Has a potentially explosive reaction with concentrated nitric acid [Lewis]. Turns pink on contact with iron.
Air & Water Reactions
Hygroscopic. Soluble in water.
Hazard
Irritant to skin and eyes. Questionable car-
cinogen.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of vapors or dust causes irritation of respiratory tract. Ingestion causes burns of mucous membranes, severe diarrhea, pallor, sweating, weakness, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, shock, and severe convulsions; may also cause siderosis of the spleen and tubular injury to the kidney. Contact with eyes causes irritation. Can be absorbed from wounds or through unbroken skin, producing severe dermatitis, methemoglobinemia, cyanosis, convulsions, tachycardia, dyspnea, and death.
Potential Exposure
Resorcinol is weakly antiseptic;
resorcinol compounds are used in the production of
resorcinol-formaldehyde adhesives; or as an intermediate;
in pharmaceuticals and hair dyes for human use. Major
industrial uses are as adhesives in rubber products and tires,
wood adhesive resins, and as ultraviolet absorbers in
polyolefin plastics. Resorcinol is also a by-product of coal
conversion and is a component of cigarette smoke. Thus,
substantial opportunity exists for human exposure.
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: Containers may explode.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, includ-
ing resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medi-
cal attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN2876 Resorcinol, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels:
6.1-Poisonous materials.
Incompatibilities
Reacts with oxidizers, nitric acid; oil,
ferric salts; methanol, acetanilide, albumin, antipyrene,
alkalies, urethane, ammonia, amino compounds.
Hygroscopic; absorbs moisture from the air.
Waste Disposal
Consult with environmental
regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal
practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant
(≥100 kg/mo) must conform with EPA regulations govern-
ing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal.
Dissolve in a combustible solvent and incinerate.
Occurrence
Reported found in roasted barley, cane molasses, beer, red wine, white wine, special wine and coffee.
Aroma threshold values
Detection: 6 to 40 ppm
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
Biochem/physiol Actions
Resorcinol is an aromatic alcohol serves as an antiseptic. It reduces pain from painful nodules in patients suffering from Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
Carcinogenicity
Acute Toxicity. The primary signs of intoxication
resemble those induced by phenol, and include initial stimulation
of the CNS, followed by depression, renal glomerular
and tubular degeneration, central hepatic necrosis, myocardial
depression, pruritus, and reddening of the skin. Resorcinol
has been reported to be less toxic than phenol or
pyrocatechol by oral and dermal routes.
Resorcinol is a simple aromatic chemical (1,3-benzenediol)
that has found widespread use, particularly as a coupler
in hair dyes. Clinical experience clearly shows that resorcinol
is a skin sensitizer, although several predictive tests have
been negative. In a local lymph node assay performed in
accordance with OECD Guideline 429, resorcinol was identified
as a skin sensitizer.
Few reports of the toxicity
of resorcinol have been published. Oral ingestion in humans
may cause methemoglobinemia, cyanosis, and convulsions,
whereas dermal exposure has been reported to cause dermatitis,
hyperemia, and pruritus. Industrial inhalation
exposures are rather rare, but could occur in any industry
if the compound is heated beyond 300°F.
Pathology reported for humans
includes anemia, marked siderosis of the spleen and marked
tubular injury in the kidney, fatty changes of the liver,
degenerative changes in the kidney, fatty changes of the
heart muscle, moderate enlargement and pigmentation of
the spleen, and edema and emphysema of the lungs.
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Before entering confined space where this chemicalmay be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in tightly closed containersin a cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidizers, oil, ferric salts, methanol, acetanilide, albumin, antipyrine, andurethane. Where possible, automatically transfer materialfrom drums or other storage containers to process containers. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames,are prohibited where this chemical is handled, used, orstored. Metal containers involving the transfer of this chemical should be grounded and bonded. Wherever this chemical is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, useexplosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Purification Methods
Crystallise resorcinol from *benzene, toluene or *benzene/diethyl ether. The benzoate has m 117o. [Beilstein 6 IV 2069.]
