What does resorcinol mean?
Resorcinol is the chemical substance benzene-1,3-diol, a white crystalline compound in which two hydroxyl groups are attached to a benzene ring. In chemistry, it serves as an intermediate for producing other organic compounds. In medicine and pharmacy, it has been used in selected topical preparations, particularly products associated with the treatment of acne, as well as in antiseptic formulations. The name is closely connected with resorcin, another established name for the same substance. Because resorcinol is principally a technical and scientific term, it is encountered in laboratory, pharmaceutical, or medical contexts rather than in general conversation. Its related derivative, resorcinolism, refers to adverse effects associated with excessive exposure. Although its chemical structure is relatively simple, resorcinol illustrates how a single compound can be useful both as a building block in industrial chemistry and as an active ingredient in carefully formulated preparations.
nounResorcinol is a white, crystalline organic compound with the formula C₆H₄(OH)₂, also known as benzene-1,3-diol. It is used in chemical and pharmaceutical preparations, including some topical acne treatments and antiseptics.
- A chemical compound, benzene-1,3-diol, used in organic chemistry and in some pharmaceutical and antiseptic preparations.
"The laboratory dissolved a small quantity of resorcinol in the solvent before adding it to the reaction mixture."
"Resorcinol is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of other organic compounds."
"The pharmacist explained that the cream contained resorcinol and should be applied only as directed."
Resorcinol is familiar to anyone who has encountered a traditional acne preparation: it is a carefully controlled hydroxyl-bearing benzene compound used in specialised formulations.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resorcinol come from?
The name resorcinol comes from resorcin, an older name for the same compound, together with the chemical ending -ol, which denotes a hydroxyl group or an alcohol-like compound. Resorcinol is also known systematically as benzene-1,3-diol, reflecting its structure and the positions of its two hydroxyl groups. The compound was historically obtained in connection with natural resins, and its development belongs to the early history of organic chemistry.
Related word forms
How resorcinol is actually used
This is a technical term used primarily in chemistry, pharmacy, and medicine. It is not part of ordinary everyday vocabulary, and the related medical term resorcinolism denotes a condition associated with excessive exposure to resorcinol.
Easily confused with resorcinol
Resorcin and resorcinol refer to the same chemical substance; resorcin is a commonly encountered name, while resorcinol is the more systematic name.