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5,6-Dihydroxyindole is a melanin precursor. It is one of the toxic compounds in the melanin biosynthetic pathway. 5,6-Dihydroxyindole is an indole derivative that contains two hydroxyl groups attached to the 5th and 6th positions of the indole ring. It is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of melanin, a pigment responsible for the coloration of hair, skin, and eyes in humans and other organisms.

5,6-Dihydroxyindole is an intermediate in melanogenesis, the production of melanin which is found in our skin, eyes, hair, and inner ear.

ChEBI: 5,6-dihydroxyindole is a dihydroxyindole. It has a role as a mouse metabolite.

Synthetic Communications, 15, p. 321, 1985 DOI: 10.1080/00397918508063806