5Methylresorcinol

5-Methylresorcinol, also known as orcinol monohydrate or 5-methylbenzene-1,3-diol, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C7H8O2. It is a derivative of resorcinol, a dihydroxybenzene, with a methyl group attached at the 5-position. Structurally, it features a benzene ring with hydroxyl groups at positions 1 and 3, and a methyl group at position 5.

This compound is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and alcohol. It occurs naturally in some species of lichens, where it is a product of secondary metabolism. Historically, lichens containing orcinol have been used as dyes, and the compound itself can be extracted from these sources.

In terms of its chemical properties, 5-methylresorcinol exhibits reactivity characteristic of phenols, undergoing reactions such as electrophilic aromatic substitution. It can also be oxidized.

Industrially, 5-methylresorcinol finds applications in the synthesis of various organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and agrochemicals. It is also used as a reagent in analytical chemistry. Its presence in certain natural products contributes to their biological activity, though research in this area is ongoing.