2-Methylhydroquinone

Synonym(s):2,5-Dihydroxytoluene, Toluhydroquinone;2-Methylhydroquinone;Toluhydroquinone

CAS NO.：95-71-6
Empirical Formula: C7H8O2
Molecular Weight: 124.14
MDL number: MFCD00002345
EINECS: 202-443-7
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-04-24 14:58:14

What is 2-Methylhydroquinone?

Chemical properties

white solid

The Uses of 2-Methylhydroquinone

Antioxidant, polymerization inhibitor.

The Uses of 2-Methylhydroquinone

Methylhydroquinone is used as stabilizer and antioxidant in aerylic monomers to prevent polymerization.

The Uses of 2-Methylhydroquinone

Methylhydroquinone is a marine fungus metabolite, showing activity as an angiosupressor that interferes with the Akt pathway. Allows for screening of novel inhibitors of angiogenesis.

Definition

ChEBI: A member of the class of hydroquinones that is hydroquinone in which one of the benzene hydrogens has been replaced by a methyl group.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron, 44, p. 1227, 1988 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4020(01)85902-0
Tetrahedron Letters, 22, p. 2337, 1981 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(01)82900-2

General Description

Methylhydroquinone is produced by the oxidation of o-cresol by the mutants G103S, G103S/A107G, and G103S/A107T.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Biochem/physiol Actions

Methylhydroquinone (Toluquinol) inhibits the growth of endothelial and tumor cells in culture in the micromolar range and is a promising drug candidate in the treatment of cancer and other angiogenesis-related pathologies.

Purification Methods

Crystallise the quinone from EtOH. [Beilstein 6 IV 5866.]

Properties of 2-Methylhydroquinone

Melting point:	128-130 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	285°C
Density	1.1006 (rough estimate)
vapor pressure	0.004Pa at 25℃
refractive index	1.4922 (estimate)
Flash point:	172 °C
storage temp.	Store below +30°C.
solubility	77g/l
form	Crystalline Powder
pka	pK1:10.03;pK2:11.62 (25°C)
color	Grayish-white to light beige
Water Solubility	77 g/L (25 ºC)
BRN	2041489
Stability:	Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with oxidizing agents, strong bases.
CAS DataBase Reference	95-71-6(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	1,4-Benzenediol, 2-methyl-(95-71-6)
EPA Substance Registry System	2-Methylhydroquinone (95-71-6)

Safety information for 2-Methylhydroquinone

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H302:Acute toxicity,oral H312:Acute toxicity,dermal H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P304+P340:IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing. P405:Store locked up.