4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone


4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone is an organic compound with the formula 2CO. This off-white solid is a precursor to or a degradation product of diverse commercial materials. It is a potential endocrine disruptor.

Synthesis

4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone is prepared by the rearrangement of p-hydroxyphenylbenzoate:
Alternatively, p-hydroxybenzoic acid can be converted to p-acetoxybenzoyl chloride. This acid chloride reacts with phenol to give, after deacetylation, 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone.

Uses

The main application of 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone is as a UV light stabilizer. It and its derivatives are found in cosmetics, plastics, films, adhesives and coatings, optical fiber, and printed circuit boards. It is the precursor to certain polycarbonate polymers.
McMurry reaction between CHone and p,p'-dihydroxybenzophenone, and subsequent acetylation gives Cyclofenil.