A

David

Darling

catechol

Catechol (1,2 dihydroxybenzene, C6H4(OH)2) is an organic chemical compound. It forms clear aqueous solutions which soon turn brown because, under the influence of light, they react strongly with oxygen. For these reasons catechol is used to protect stored materials against oxidation, and in photographic developers. It is also used in making dyes.