Chlorohydroquinone (CAS 615-67-8)

Chlorohydroquinone is an organic compound that is structurally related to hydroquinone, with the addition of a chlorine atom attached to the benzene ring. This structural modification significantly impacts its chemical and physical properties, making it an important compound in various research fields, particularly in organic synthesis and environmental chemistry. In research, chlorohydroquinone′s primary mechanism of action involves its role as a reactive intermediate and a reducing agent. The presence of the hydroxyl groups and the electronegative chlorine atom makes this compound a versatile reagent in redox reactions. It can undergo oxidation to form quinones or reduction to form aminophenols, depending on the conditions of the reaction. This redox versatility is essential for synthesizing a wide array of organic compounds, including dyes, pigments, and other aromatic compounds. Chlorohydroquinone is also frequently used in studies of enzymatic processes and bioremediation due to its structural similarity to natural phenolic compounds. Researchers explore how this compound interacts with natural enzymes, particularly those involved in the detoxification and degradation of environmental pollutants. Understanding these interactions helps in developing strategies for the bioremediation of chlorinated organic compounds, which are common pollutants in soil and water. Additionally, chlorohydroquinone has been employed as a standard in analytical chemistry, particularly in the development of chromatographic methods. Its distinctive UV/Vis absorption characteristics make it suitable for use as a reference compound in the calibration of analytical instruments and the development of analytical protocols for phenols and related substances.