Phloroglucinol is an organic compound with the formula C₆H₃(OH)₃. It is a colorless solid. It is used in the

synthesis Synthesis or synthesize may refer to: Science Chemistry and biochemistry *Chemical synthesis, the execution of chemical reactions to form a more complex molecule from chemical precursors ** Organic synthesis, the chemical synthesis of organ ...

of pharmaceuticals and

explosive An explosive (or explosive material) is a reactive substance that contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure. An expl ...

s. Phloroglucinol is one of three isomeric benzenetriols. The other two isomers are hydroxyquinol (1,2,4-benzenetriol) and pyrogallol (1,2,3-benzenetriol). Phloroglucinol, and its benzenetriol isomers, are still defined as " phenols" according to the IUPAC official nomenclature rules of chemical compounds. Many such monophenolics are often termed " polyphenols" by the cosmetic and parapharmaceutical industries, which does not match the scientifically accepted definition.

Synthesis and occurrence

In 1855, phloroglucinol was first prepared from

phloretin Phloretin is a dihydrochalcone, a type of natural phenol. It can be found in apple tree leaves and the Manchurian apricot. Metabolism In rats, ingested phlorizin is converted into phloretin by hydrolytic enzymes in the small intestine. Phlor ...

by the Austrian chemist Heinrich Hlasiwetz (1825–1875). A modern synthesis of involves hydrolysis of benzene-1,3,5-triamine and its derivatives. Representative is the following route from

trinitrobenzene Trinitrobenzene may refer to: * 1,2,3-Trinitrobenzene * * 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene {{Short pages monitor