Question

The common name of Benzene-1,2-diol is

• A. Pyrogallol
• B. Resorcinol
• C. Catechol
• D. Quinol

Hint:

Remember the alphabetical positioning shorthand for dihydroxybenzenes: Ortho corresponds to Catechol, Meta corresponds to Resorcinol, and Para corresponds to Quinol. Think of the sequential progression: O-M-P maps directly to C-R-Q.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the traditional common name associated with the IUPAC structure Benzene-1,2-diol, which is a benzene ring substituted with two hydroxyl ($-\text{OH}$) groups at adjacent (ortho) positions.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's review the common names for the isomeric dihydroxybenzenes and trihydroxybenzenes:
Benzene-1,2-diol: The two $-\text{OH}$ groups are at ortho positions relative to each other. Its universally accepted common name is Catechol.
Benzene-1,3-diol: The two $-\text{OH}$ groups are at meta positions relative to each other. Its common name is Resorcinol.
Benzene-1,4-diol: The two $-\text{OH}$ groups are at para positions relative to each other. Its common name is Hydroquinone or Quinol.
Benzene-1,2,3-triol: A trihydroxy derivative whose common name is Pyrogallol.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The common name of Benzene-1,2-diol is Catechol, which matches option (C).