Pyrogallol: Properties, Reactions, Uses and FAQs - Explained by Experts on Vedantu

2023-04-07 02:40:05 By : Mr. Simon Liu
Pyrogallol is a chemical compound that belongs to the category of organic compounds called phenols. It is a white crystalline substance that has a faint odor and is soluble in water and ethanol. Pyrogallol is also known as 1,2,3-Trihydroxybenzene or benzene-1,2,3-triol.

Properties of Pyrogallol:
Pyrogallol - Meaning, Properties, Reactions, Uses and FAQs


Pyrogallol possesses several properties that make it useful in different applications. It has a melting point of 131-135°C and a boiling point of 309°C. The chemical formula of pyrogallol is C6H3(OH)3, and it has three hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to a benzene ring. Pyrogallol is a potent reducing agent and easily oxidizes under ambient conditions. It is also an excellent chelating agent, and its structure facilitates the formation of complexes with metal ions.

Reactions of Pyrogallol:

Pyrogallol is a versatile chemical with various reactions. It undergoes the following reactions:

1. Oxidation: Pyrogallol is easily oxidized to formic acid.

2. Reduction: Pyrogallol is an excellent reducing agent and can reduce silver nitrate to silver metal.

3. Esterification: Pyrogallol forms an ester with acetic anhydride in the presence of a base.

4. Reaction with metal ions: Pyrogallol acts as a chelating agent and forms complexes with metal ions like iron, copper, and nickel.

Uses of Pyrogallol:

Pyrogallol finds several applications due to its unique properties. Some of them are:

1. Photography: Pyrogallol is a popular developing agent for black and white photographic prints.

2. Agriculture: Pyrogallol is used as a herbicide and pesticide due to its oxidizing and reducing properties.

3. Chemistry: Pyrogallol finds use in various chemical reactions like the Folin-Ciocalteau assay as a reducing agent, and complexation of metal ions.

4. Medical: Pyrogallol is used in the preparation of certain heart medications like nicorandil.

FAQs:

1. What is Pyrogallol used for in photography?

Ans: Pyrogallol is a popular developing agent for black and white photographic prints.

2. What are the properties of Pyrogallol?

Ans: Pyrogallol is a white crystalline substance that has a faint odor and is soluble in water and ethanol. It is a potent reducing agent and easily oxidizes under ambient conditions. It is also an excellent chelating agent.

3. How does Pyrogallol act as a reducing agent?

Ans: Pyrogallol can donate electrons to oxidized species, leading to their reduction. It has a strong reducing power due to the presence of three hydroxyl groups.

In conclusion, Pyrogallol is a useful compound that has several applications due to its unique properties. It is an excellent chelating agent, reducing agent, and a popular developing agent for black and white photographic prints. Its use in different fields highlights the versatility of this chemical compound.