1,2-Benzenediol; a constituent of the catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine, and dopa; used externally as an antiseptic. SYN: catechol (1), pyrocatechin.
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py·ro·cat·e·chol .pī-rō-'kat-ə-.kȯl, -.kōl n a crystalline phenol C6H6O2 obtained by pyrolysis of various natural substances (as resins and lignins) but usu. made synthetically and used esp. as a photographic developer and in organic synthesis called also catechol
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py·ro·cat·e·chol (pi″ro-katґə-kol) a compound comprising the aromatic portion in the synthesis of endogenous catecholamines, obtained by distilling catechu or a related substance or produced synthetically. It is a reagent and was formerly used as a topical antiseptic. Called also catechol and pyrocatechin.Medical dictionary. 2011.