Contact Us
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
© 2025 Jeifer Pharmaceutical, All Right
Reserved.
Resorcinol traces its roots back to the nineteenth century, first isolated in 1837 by German chemist Heinrich Hlasiwetz. Back then, the demand for new chemicals in dye manufacturing and medicine was fierce. Early manufacturers, juggling supply and demand, learned to extract this compound mainly through destructive distillation of galbanum resins and later improved processes involving benzene derivatives. The industrial rise of resorcinol in the twentieth century coincided with the evolution of pharmaceutical regulations. Stringent standards like British Pharmacopoeia (BP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) categories set clear definitions for acceptable chemical purity and safety, driving the focus toward manufacturing consistency. Over time, its production shifted from rudimentary batch methods into streamlined, high-yield chemical syntheses, matching pharmaceutical-grade requirements for purity and batch reproducibility.
Resorcinol, known chemically as 1,3-dihydroxybenzene, holds its place in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications. These aren't just idle categories. In every pharmaceuticals warehouse, resorcinol jars and drums shoulder a specific reputation: as a trusted antiseptic, a key intermediate in active pharmaceutical ingredient synthesis, and a staple in certain skin-care routines. The BP, EP, and USP grades guarantee higher purity than technical grades, ringing in at over 99% assay, with keen attention paid to impurities such as hydroquinone, catechol, and heavy metals. Experience in chemical purchasing shows manufacturers pay a premium for certificates that back up these specifications, which assure users that contents will not carry unwanted byproducts or unknown substances.
From a practical standpoint, resorcinol forms tiny, colorless crystals or a white to faintly pink powder, with a faint, sweet odor. It dissolves easily in water, alcohol, and ether, giving flexibility in formulation, be it for a topical ointment or industrial adhesive. Melting point clocks in at around 110°C. Upon exposure to light and air, the compound can darken—a surefire reminder that storage protocols matter. Its structure—two hydroxyl groups attached to the benzene ring—makes it reactive in substitution and condensation reactions, so this isn’t a commodity chemical for casual handling. Its pKa values (around 9.15 and 11.11) mean it acts as a weak acid, offering chemists options during synthesis and application tuning.
Resorcinol graded BP, EP, and USP matches specific specifications established by international pharmacopeias, each holding manufacturers to rigid maximum impurity levels, defined moisture content, and robust identification testing. Labels on pharma-grade product containers due diligence protocols—batch numbers for traceability, gross and net weights, hazard pictograms, best-before dates, and clear storage advice (“store in tightly closed container, protected from light”). Regulatory compliance comes under audit at every step, from shipping manifests to random in-house purity testing. Lab managers who have handled resorcinol stocks know every container has its integrity checked regularly, especially in environments where cross-contamination spells disaster for batch validity.
Modern methods for preparing pharma-grade resorcinol depend on the sulfonation of benzene using fuming sulfuric acid, followed by alkaline fusion with caustic soda. The overall process creates significant sodium sulfate byproducts, requiring careful waste management practices—not just for environmental reasons, but because regulatory fines for improper disposal bite hard. The crude resorcinol then submits to repeated crystallization and vacuum distillation, purifying the chemical to well above 99% for specification-grade lots. Lately, greener methods—like catalytic hydroxylation of phenol—gain attention, with researchers intent on minimizing pollution and maximizing resource efficiency. This shift comes not only from regulatory nudging but from bottom-line cost pressures, as effluent treatment proves costly over time.
The chemical backbone of resorcinol beckons a wide range of modifications. Given its dual hydroxyls, resorcinol acts as a prominent substrate for electrophilic aromatic substitution. In organic labs, researchers find it easy to control halogenation, nitration, and sulfonation reactions using standard resorcinol feeds. Medicinal chemists build more elaborate molecules off this base ring, creating antipsychotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and even sunscreen UV stabilizers (benzotriazole derivatives). This flexibility keeps resorcinol top-of-mind, both for industrial-scale engineers tinkering with process efficiency and for bench chemists tailoring new lead compounds.
Among suppliers and in chemical inventories, resorcinol pops up under various designations: m-dihydroxybenzene, 1,3-benzenediol, m-hydroxyphenol, and its direct “Resorcin” synonym. Some catalogs tack on trade names—Resonal, Hydrocinol, and Flavol. Familiarity with these names matters for laboratorians scanning product lists or cross-referencing old literature. Mixing up m-dihydroxybenzene with its ortho- (catechol) or para- (hydroquinone) cousins can derail both research outcomes and GMP compliance. Resorcinol’s unique identifiers—CAS number 108-46-3, carefully highlighted on every bottle—draw a firm line between lookalike molecules.
Resorcinol ranks among those industrial compounds that command respect in handling. Skin and respiratory contact irritate fast, and lax safety culture leads to avoidable incidents. Pharma-grade supply mandates container integrity, operator PPE, and strict dust control measures. Occupational health guidelines across Europe and the US limit permissible exposure, not just for long-term toxicity, but for more acute risks like eye damage and sensitization. Emergency procedures for spills mean more than checking a box for auditors: experienced process chemists drill protocol before every campaign, as resorcinol—unlike its milder phenol cousins—can cause burns or hemolysis with repeated exposure.
Decades of product development shaped resorcinol’s role. In pharmaceuticals, it works as a topical antiseptic and keratolytic agent, slotted into ointments for eczema and psoriasis. Dermatologists still prescribe it, owing to its proven ability to break down thicker skin layers. Industry relies on its role as a starting material in dye, adhesive, and UV stabilizer production. Individual adhesives—think of resorcinol-formaldehyde resins in aircraft and marine plywood—stand or fall on the purity and batch consistency of supplied resorcinol. In rubber production, it improves bonding between metal wires and rubber—critical for tire manufacture. This widespread use speaks for its reliability and performance, from the pharmacy counter to the aircraft hangar.
Resorcinol anchors research pipelines across therapeutic fields. Medicinal chemistry teams remodel the basic skeleton, pushing out new antibacterial, antifungal, and antipsychotic agents. Recent papers chart the evolution of resorcinol-based sunscreen actives, especially those less likely to trigger allergic response or environmental persistence. In analytical chemistry, its consistent reactivity provides a yardstick for developing colorimetric tests and glucose assays, serving as a stable positive control. Production teams chase advances in catalytic synthesis and crystal engineering, targeting both yield gains and lower energy footprints. University partnerships keep the dialogue open between theory and applied practice: resorcinol’s adaptability, more than market momentum, makes it a staple in grant-funded projects.
Any worker with real-world experience in pharma or chemical manufacturing understands the health profile of resorcinol. Toxicologists track its acute and chronic risk profiles, noting that resorcinol’s LD50 in rats falls in the 300 to 500 mg/kg range. Regular exposure creates risk for thyroid dysfunction and methemoglobinemia. Regulatory agencies demand long-term studies tracing both genotoxicity and reproductive hazards. Recently updated safety data sheets reflect lessons learned from both animal studies and rare human exposures—a handful of case reports link high-dose occupational exposure to hemolytic anemia and skin sensitization. The increasing prominence of endocrine disruptor research draws new scrutiny, leading some manufacturers to draft stricter in-house exposure limits than national codes require.
Resorcinol faces a mixed future in global chemistry. On the research front, greener synthesis pathways—like oxidative phenol coupling using solid acid catalysts—signal both economic and sustainability wins for bulk producers. Formulators look to swap older, harsher substances in skin-care and consumer products for resorcinol derivatives with friendlier safety profiles. Regulatory change looms as both a risk and an opportunity. As endocrine disruption research gathers steam, legislative clamps could tighten base chemical use, spurring even purer grades or novel analogs. Meanwhile, industrial users in adhesives and plastics drive continuous demand: unless breakthroughs in alternative polymer chemistry occur, resorcinol-based technology will keep earning its spot in high-performance sectors. For labs, the future means closer attention to cradle-to-grave supply chains, smarter packaging, and updated exposure controls—all shaped by decades of lessons in good manufacturing and occupational health.
Resorcinol might not sound familiar unless you’ve worked in a pharmacy lab or read the ingredients of some skin creams. Still, this compound shapes the way many medicines work, especially those that clean, heal, or treat skin issues. Walk through any pharmacy, and chances are, you’ll find resorcinol mixed into acne treatments, ointments, and medicated soaps. That’s not by accident—it’s stood the test of time because it gets real results, safely.
This white, powdery chemical carries approvals from big regulatory bodies—BP (British Pharmacopoeia), EP (European Pharmacopoeia), and USP (United States Pharmacopeia). Drug makers chase these standards since people deserve medicines that are pure, consistent, and effective. I’ve seen how strict these standards can be. Making just one batch of skin cream with resorcinol prompts a stack of tests and paperwork, right down to the last milligram, because lives ride on that level of quality.
Resorcinol often pops up in lotions and creams that fight acne, eczema, psoriasis, and even stubborn fungal infections like athlete’s foot. It works by breaking down rough skin, helping dead cells shed faster, and clearing out infected patches. I remember my teenage years, desperate to get rid of a pimple before picture day. Back then, one pharmacist pointed me to a cream containing resorcinol. Within days, that angry red bump shrank, proving that real science beats wishful thinking every time.
Doctors and nurses count on resorcinol during surgeries and wound care. It doesn’t just clean; it digs deep, killing germs and stopping infections before they can start. In hospitals I’ve visited, medical staff pick antiseptics where resorcinol keeps wounds clean and lowers the risk of complications. It’s this reliability that leads health departments to keep products with resorcinol well-stocked on their shelves.
Resorcinol doesn’t just handle skin issues. Lab researchers use it to develop new drugs, test chemical reactions, and even as a building block in some treatments for thyroid issues. Each role counts—medicines reach the market faster, perform better, and keep unpredictable side effects to a minimum. A close friend working in pharmaceutical development explained how resorcinol helped his team design a breakthrough ointment for chronic skin ulcers. Without pharma-grade quality, their trials would have stalled.
Not every chemical gets the green light for medicines, but resorcinol’s story shows that careful handling and precise standards make a difference. Too much resorcinol can irritate, and misuse can lead to complications. The lesson? Respect the label, use as directed, and trust medical guidance.
No single ingredient can fix every problem, but choosing the right tool for the job matters. Pharmaceutical-grade resorcinol brings track records of safety and results. Patients, researchers, and doctors stick with it because it keeps proving itself useful. More oversight, clear labeling, and public education could help more people stay safe and see better health outcomes. In the world of pharmaceutical ingredients, resorcinol keeps showing up because it works—plain and simple.
Resorcinol drives a lot of action in pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and personal care products. The standards tagged with BP, EP, and USP labels matter a great deal. They signal that manufacturers are making their product meet benchmarks set by the British Pharmacopoeia, European Pharmacopoeia, and United States Pharmacopeia. Each authority outlines its wish list, but purity always takes center stage.
Pharmaceutical grade resorcinol isn’t just about being clean. Manufacturers take it through rigorous refining, where levels for tests such as melting point, solubility, ash content, and heavy metals can’t budge beyond strict ranges. Buyers expect to see:
Skimping on purity or side-stepping these tough standards doesn’t just kill a product’s shelf appeal. Underdone purity risks patient health. I’ve worked with bulk APIs in plant environments, and the reality is—anything short of 99% purity often brings unpredictable reactions, side products, or stability troubles. Regulators in the UK, EU, and US know this, so their demands force continuous testing batch to batch.
There’s a world of difference between technical grade resorcinol for dyes and pharma grade resorcinol for ointments or acne treatments touching skin or wounds. Every time regulations tighten up, a spike in safety recalls or adverse reports follows in places that let quality slip. In this industry, the proof almost always lives in the paperwork and lab printouts.
Manufacturers and buyers both wrestle with consistent quality. Scaling up lots from five to fifty kilograms brings headaches—hot spots in reactors, risk of oxidants, and inconsistent cooling. Maintaining those ash and metal levels takes serious investments in purification and in-process controls. Prices go up as standards tighten, but the cost of bad batches feels even higher. More than once, plants chasing production speed ended up losing entire shipments for breaching these specs.
Routine batch testing, proper documentation, and transparent sourcing from reputable suppliers help keep integrity strong. Companies that train their technicians to spot trouble in early stages—color drift, odd melting, chemical odor—save themselves dollars and drama later. Suppliers sticking to BP, EP, and USP specs are not just ticking boxes. They are shaping patient confidence and keeping downstream users protected.
Genuine pharma grade resorcinol comes with certificates of analysis, but it’s always better to check traceability and inspect records. For any business I’ve worked with, the best way forward is partnering with suppliers who test beyond bare minimums and who will open their process books when asked. Patient lives hang in the balance, and cutting corners only leads one way—toward regret.
The pharmaceutical world doesn’t play around with low-quality ingredients. Every compound, even one as familiar as resorcinol, gets run through a gauntlet of tests before seeing the inside of a capsule or cream. Resorcinol’s history goes back over a century—it shows up in everything from antiseptics to topical treatments. Regulators put their stamp of approval on specific grades, like BP (British Pharmacopoeia), EP (European Pharmacopoeia), and USP (United States Pharmacopeia), only after confirming these grades meet tight limits for purity and contaminants.
The label “Pharma Grade” means something. Each batch of resorcinol labeled BP, EP, or USP must stick to official monographs and quality standards. This includes purity checks, controls for heavy metals, and precise limits for residual solvents. In the real world, this translates to consistent results and fewer unwanted surprises. Using other grades—say, a technical or industrial quality powder—raises the risk of unwanted chemicals ending up where they don’t belong, potentially putting patients at risk.
Doctors and pharmacists have counted on resorcinol for ointments and creams for decades. It brings mild antiseptic and keratolytic properties that help tackle skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis. At low doses and for short periods, resorcinol doesn’t usually rock the boat in terms of safety. Problems turn up when there’s overuse, high concentration, or accidental ingestion. Research published in toxicology journals highlights risks like thyroid disruption or allergic reactions but generally point out these incidents as rare—especially with pharmaceutical scrutiny involved.
Most medication worries come down to exposure. Applying a 2% resorcinol ointment to a patch of skin treated by a doctor carries fewer risks than swallowing high doses or slathering it over large parts of the body. Adverse effects, like thyroid issues or skin irritation, kick in mainly with misuse or excessive application. Regulators like the FDA and EMA track these risks with post-marketing surveillance, ensuring pharmaceutical teams update product labels, warn about overuse, and train healthcare professionals.
Even safe substances cause trouble when used the wrong way or mixed into sub-par products. To give patients a wider margin of safety, manufacturers run finished pharmaceuticals through stability and compatibility tests, weed out unwanted impurities, and require certificates of analysis before every batch heads out the door. Pharmacies and hospitals buy from sources who maintain traceability all the way back to the manufacturing plant. All of this builds trust—essential for people who rely on medicines to manage everyday health problems.
Quality control only goes so far. Making sure prescribers and patients know when, how, and how much to use a resorcinol-based medicine seals the deal for safety. Regulatory bodies and professional organizations roll out continuing education, clinical guidelines, and up-to-date prescribing information. They encourage adverse event reporting and keep tabs on trends in allergic reactions or rare side effects. With smarter oversight, everyone from manufacturer to patient has the assurance that approved pharmaceutical-grade compounds, like resorcinol, will deliver benefits with a manageable risk.
Resorcinol, recognized for its role in pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, often needs careful attention due to its chemical profile. Having spent several years around chemical storage facilities, I learned early how a few basic choices make all the difference for worker safety and product reliability. This compound isn’t just another raw material—its clinical value depends on keeping it in great shape from the supplier to the production floor.
Start by picking a place with low humidity. Too much moisture in the air leads to clumping or chemical changes, sometimes leaving resorcinol less effective or even hazardous in certain applications. Once, I saw a lab skip climate control for a month—opened a drum and found a crust of degraded product stuck to the side. So, stick with a cool, dry, well-ventilated room. Direct sunlight can be a major problem, since resorcinol gradually breaks down under UV rays. Shelving units in a shaded section of storage work well. And don’t put it near any heat sources.
Many forget to label containers clearly, but this step saves a lot of confusion and risk. Place the date received, lot number, safety details, and handling instructions in a visible spot. I’ve seen avoidable close calls, sometimes just because a temp worker couldn’t spot the hazard warning among a pile of nearly identical drums. Safety sheets and quick reference placards in the local language help, too.
Resorcinol’s fine powder or crystal form will dust easily and irritate the eyes and skin. Put on gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat or apron before opening the container. A dust mask cuts down on accidental inhalation. You don’t want to skip any of these—skin contact brings up mild burns or rashes for some people, and accidental splashes in the eyes mean an emergency flush at the station. Ventilated hoods prevent airborne particles from spreading, so work under these as much as possible.
If spills happen, clean-up is more than a paper towel job. Reach for an industrial vacuum or a scoop and tray, taking time not to stir up more dust into the air. Bag all waste securely and follow hazardous disposal regulations. Never flush old product or spill residue down a drain; it can react badly with other chemicals or harm water systems, a lesson I learned after a minor spill years ago led to a fire department call-out.
The pharma industry faces strict audits for a reason. Contaminated resorcinol doesn’t just drop profits—it can contribute to unsafe medicine or failed batches. Sticking to routine inspections, cycle checks on humidity and temperature, and replacing worn lids or damaged packaging gives peace of mind. Regular staff training goes a long way in building good habits too, whether someone’s been on the team for years or only just stepped into the storage room.
Reliable storage and handling of resorcinol mean more than checking boxes for compliance. These habits protect workers, guard the usefulness of valuable raw materials, and support high-quality results in the products that depend on them. Any shortcut in this chain can cause bigger problems down the line, so it’s worth doing right every time.
Handling Resorcinol in pharmaceutical-grade form doesn’t leave much room for error. Direct experience with ingredient storage has shown that packaging can make or break product quality. Companies in pharma don’t just wrap up raw materials and call it a day — there’s steady pressure from both safety regulators and customers to get this step right.
Across warehouses, you’ll spot high-density polyethylene (HDPE) drums more often than any other solution. These rigid containers usually carry between 25 kg and 50 kg of Resorcinol. The sturdy build keeps out moisture, while the lid system stands up against tampering. Chemical suppliers favor these because they are easy to stack, label, and move around with forklifts or pallet jacks. From personal visits to API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) plants, I’ve seen how a misstep in storing can allow contamination, so drums with tamper seals and clear batch codes matter. HDPE’s chemical resistance means the contents don’t react with the container, something regulators like the US Pharmacopeia take seriously.
Not every buyer needs full-drum quantities. Quality control labs and R&D teams handle Resorcinol in much smaller amounts. In these cases, pre-measured sachets or multi-layer pouches step in. These packs often hold anything from 100 grams up to a kilogram, scored and batch-labeled for traceability. Based on years working alongside lab techs, pre-packed pouches help avoid messy spills and dose mistakes, especially during repeated sampling. Companies often go for materials that block out light, oxygen, and humidity. Foil-lined pouches serve this need by locking out environmental threats that could degrade an ingredient known for its sensitivity.
In cold, climate-controlled rooms, Resorcinol sometimes rests in amber glass bottles. They aren't as common on big manufacturing floors, but these bottles play a role for hospitals or specialty compounding pharmacies. Solid amber glass blocks sunlight and keeps chemistry stable for the duration of storage. From direct handling, glass bottles cut down on leaching risk – the interaction that sometimes haunts plastic packaging, particularly over longer shelf lives.
Some international shipments arrive boxed, with heavy-duty fiberboard on the outside and specially laminated or LDPE liner bags on the inside. This combo offers impact protection that resists crushing on long trips. The liner bag’s hermetic seal keeps any swings in temperature or humidity from getting to the product. Years in the industry have taught me that best practice involves double-layering, with an inner liner heat-sealed before the box closes up. Trained personnel then log batch details and handling times for the supply chain records.
Pharma producers don’t just decide on a whim — they answer to strict guidelines from the European Pharmacopoeia and US Pharmacopeia. Packaging must resist chemical leaching and support tight tracking from receipt to dispensing. Quality certificates typically arrive with every new batch, so the outer label needs space for comprehensive documentation. The wrong packaging choice hits heavily on shelf life, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.
Calls for more sustainable packaging echo in the boardrooms of major API suppliers. Growing environmental pressure leads companies to research recyclable or reusable containers. Some suppliers pilot returnable drum programs, where containers get sanitized and reused in closed loops. From what colleagues report, this not only cuts down on plastic waste but helps track supply more efficiently through RFID tags or digital batch registries. The idea keeps picking up speed, particularly in Europe, even if hurdles remain for global rollout.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | benzene-1,3-diol |
| Other names |
Resorcin 1,3-Benzenediol m-Dihydroxybenzene Resorcinolum 1,3-Dihydroxybenzene |
| Pronunciation | /rɪˈzɔːrsɪnɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 108-46-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 136-38-7 [Beilstein 2041040] |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:15994 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1431 |
| ChemSpider | 11760 |
| DrugBank | DB02701 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03e4b8ad-1e84-4ab7-a1ee-b317474a53b4 |
| EC Number | 203-585-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8229 |
| KEGG | C00122 |
| MeSH | Dihydroxybenzenes |
| PubChem CID | 5054 |
| RTECS number | VO9625000 |
| UNII | KG6AWA2M1M |
| UN number | UN2876 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H6O2 |
| Molar mass | 110.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | White or almost white, crystalline powder or crystals |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.28 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Very soluble in water |
| log P | 0.8 |
| Vapor pressure | 1 mmHg (at 110°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 7.16 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 11.27 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -10.0 × 10⁻⁶ |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.552 |
| Viscosity | 1.315 (at 20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.1 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 110.0 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -321.0 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3210 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D11AX06 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye damage, causes skin irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS05, Danger, H315, H318, H302 |
| Pictograms | GHS07,GHS05 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | Hazard statements: H302, H315, H318, H332 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P310, P332+P313, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-1-0 |
| Flash point | 80°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 605 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral (rat) 301 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) Oral Rat: 301 mg/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for Resorcinol: 10 ppm (skin) |
| REL (Recommended) | 10-50 mg/kg body weight |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 250 ppm |
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
