Definition

A type of organic compound that is important in biology, consisting of a benzene ring with two hydroxyl (OH) groups attached to it.

Example

Catechol is often used in chemical reactions and as a building block in organic synthesis.

Conversation

Did you know that catechol is used in a lot of organic chemistry experiments?

Really? I had no idea it was that useful.

Yeah, it's interesting how such a simple compound can have so many applications.

For sure! I might need to look into catechol for my next project.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Catechol is formed from "catech" (from the Greek "kathechein", meaning to hold down or to restrain) and "-ol" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote alcohols or phenolic compounds). The word refers to a specific type of chemical compound that is a dihydroxybenzene, holding down two hydroxyl groups on a benzene ring.

Memory Tip

Think of 'holding down' ('catech') two 'hydroxyl groups' ('-ol') on a benzene ring — that's what catechol represents in chemistry.

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