4-Methylcatechol is an organic compound with the formula CH3C6H3(OH)2 A white solid, it is one of the isomers of methylbenzenediol.

Metabolism

The enzyme cis-1,2-dihydroxy-4-methylcyclohexa-3,5-diene-1-carboxylate dehydrogenase uses cis-1,2-dihydroxy-4-methylcyclohexa-3,5-diene-1-carboxylate and NAD(P)+ to produce 4-methylcatechol, NADH, NADPH and CO2.

Related compounds

Members of the monocot subfamily Amaryllidoideae present a unique type of alkaloids, the norbelladine alkaloids, which are 4-methylcatechol derivatives combined with tyrosine. They are responsible for the poisonous properties of a number of the species. Over 200 different chemical structures of these compounds are known, of which 79 or more are known from Narcissus alone.

Production and occurrence

Calone, a derivative of 4-methylcatechol, is known in the fragrance industry as "watermelon ketone" for its distinctive odor.

The brand of low-temperature coke used as a smokeless fuel Coalite obtains homocatechol from ammoniacal liquor by solvent extraction, distillation and crystallisation.[citation needed]

Being structurally related to lignans, it is contributes to the aerosol generate by combustion of wood.

It is a component of castoreum, the exudate from the castor sacs of the mature beaver.

See also