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Reference.org
Catechol
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<p>Catechol , also known as pyrocatechol or 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H4(OH)2. It is the <i>ortho</i> <a href="/facts/Isomer/PXlvDVdg">isomer</a> of the three isomeric <a href="/facts/Benzenediol/LCm0bf1g">benzenediols</a>. This colorless compound occurs naturally in trace amounts. It was first discovered by <a href="/facts/Destructive_distillation/wtNd7vB8">destructive distillation</a> of the plant extract <a href="/facts/Catechin/EaYR3n8G">catechin</a>. About 20,000 tonnes of catechol are now synthetically produced annually as a commodity organic chemical, mainly as a precursor to pesticides, flavors, and fragrances. Small amounts of catechol occur in <a href="/facts/Fruits/PBpuzk60">fruits</a> and <a href="/facts/Vegetables/j3AlDG64">vegetables</a>. </p>