hüdrokinool

Hydroquinone is an aromatic organic compound with the chemical formula C6H4(OH)2. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Hydroquinone is also known as benzene-1,4-diol or quinol. It is a derivative of phenol.

One of the primary uses of hydroquinone is as a reducing agent. It is employed in photography as a developing agent, where it converts exposed silver halide crystals into metallic silver, forming the visible image. This process is crucial in traditional black and white photography. Hydroquinone also finds applications as an antioxidant in various industrial processes.

In dermatology, hydroquinone has been used as a topical depigmenting agent to treat hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma, chloasma, and age spots. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. However, its use in cosmetics and topical medications has been subject to regulatory scrutiny in some regions due to potential side effects, including ochronosis (a bluish-black discoloration of the skin) with prolonged or high-dose use.

Hydroquinone can be synthesized through various chemical routes, including the oxidation of aniline or the hydroxylation of phenol. It is important to handle hydroquinone with care as it can be an irritant and may have other health implications.