Homocatechol

Homocatechol is a chemical compound also known as 4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)butan-1-ol. It is a derivative of catechol, which is a dihydroxybenzene. Homocatechol belongs to the class of organic compounds known as phenolic alcohols. Its structure consists of a benzene ring with two hydroxyl groups attached in a para position relative to each other, and a four-carbon chain attached to the ring, terminating in a primary alcohol group.

The compound can be found in certain plant species. It has been identified as a component of some natural extracts and has been studied for its potential biological activities. Research into homocatechol has explored its antioxidant properties, which are common among phenolic compounds due to the ability of the hydroxyl groups to donate hydrogen atoms and scavenge free radicals. Its metabolic fate and potential interactions within biological systems are areas of ongoing scientific investigation. Homocatechol's presence in nature and its chemical structure suggest it may play a role in plant defense mechanisms or other physiological processes within the organisms where it is found.