Clinical data | |
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Other names | 4-Hydroxyanisole; para-Guaiacol |
AHFS/ Drugs.com | International Drug Names |
MedlinePlus | a682437 |
Routes of administration | Topical |
ATC code | |
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CAS Number | |
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CompTox Dashboard ( EPA) | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.005.246 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C7H8O2 |
Molar mass | 124.139 g·mol−1 |
Density | 1.55 g/cm3 |
Melting point | 52.5 °C (126.5 °F) |
Boiling point | 243 °C (469 °F) |
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Mequinol, MeHQ or 4-methoxyphenol, is an organic compound with the formula CH3OC6H4OH. It is a phenol with a methoxy group in the para position. A colorless solid, it is used in dermatology [1] and organic chemistry. [2]
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 liver 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]
In organic chemistry 4-methoxyphenol is used as a polymerisation inhibitor (e.g. acrylates or styrene monomers). [2]
4-Methoxyphenol can be produced from p-benzoquinone and methanol via a free radical reaction. [4] [5]
The U.S. 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]