Mequinol
 | |
| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| AHFS/Drugs.com | International Drug Names |
| MedlinePlus | a682437 |
| Routes of administration | Topical |
| ATC code | D11AX06 (WHO) |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status |
|
| Identifiers | |
| |
| Synonyms | 4-Hydroxyanisole; para-Guaiacol |
| CAS Number |
150-76-5  |
| PubChem (CID) | 9015 |
| IUPHAR/BPS | 6827 |
| ChemSpider |
8665 |
| UNII |
6HT8U7K3AM |
| KEGG |
D04926 |
| ChEMBL |
CHEMBL544 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.005.246 |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C7H8O2 |
| Molar mass | 124.13722 g/mol |
| Density | 1.55 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 52.5 °C (126.5 °F) |
| Boiling point | 243 °C (469 °F) |
| |
| (verify) | |
Mequinol, MEHQ or 4-Methoxyphenol, is a phenol used in dermatology[1] and organic chemistry.[2]
Uses
Dermatology
Mequinol is a common active ingredient in topical drugs used for skin depigmentation. As a topical drug Mequinol is often mixed with tretinoin, a topical retinoid. A common formulation for this drug is an ethanolic solution of 2% Mequinol and 0.01% tretinoin by mass.[1] Dermatologists commonly prescribe the drug to treat solar lentigines, liver spots, or age spots.
Lower dosages of mequinol have been used in conjunction with a Q-switched laser to depigment skin in patients with disseminated idiopathic vitiligo.[3]
Organic chemistry
In organic chemistry 4-methoxyphenol is used to inhibit the radical polymerization of monomers (e.g. acrylates or styrene monomers).[2]
Preparation
4-Methoxyphenol is produced from p-benzoquinone and methanol via a free radical reaction.[4][5]
Safety
People can be exposed to 4-methoxyphenol in the workplace by breathing it in, skin absorption, swallowing it, skin contact, and eye contact. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 5 mg/m3 over an 8-hour workday.[6]
See also
- Monobenzone (benzyloxyphenol)
- Hydroquinone
- Guaiacol
- 2-Hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde
References
- 1 2 Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. "Full Prescribing Information" (PDF). US Food and Drug Admistration. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
- 1 2 Hudnall, Phillip M. (2000). "Hydroquinone". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. doi:10.1002/14356007.a13_499.
- ↑ Komen, L.; Zwertbroek, L.; Burger, S.J.; van der Veen, J.P.W.; de Rie, M.A.; Wolkerstorfer, A. (2013). "Q-switched laser depigmentation in vitiligo, most effective in active disease". British Journal of Dermatology. 169 (6): 1246–1251. doi:10.1111/bjd.12571.
- ↑ Cristian, Gambarotti; Lucio, Melone; Carlo, Punta; Suresh Udhavrao, Shisodia (2013). "Selective Monoetherification of 1,4-Hydroquinone Promoted by NaNO2". Current Organic Chemistry. 17 (10): 1108–1113.
- ↑ Correale, Mariano; Panseri, Pietro; Romano, Ugo; Minisci, Francesco. "Process for the preparation of mono-ethers of hydroquinones US4933504A". Google Patents. Enichem Synthesis S.P.A. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
- ↑ "CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - 4-Methoxyphenol". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-11-20.