Recent decades, considerable
efforts have been invested in the determination of phenolic compounds in
environmental, industrial, agricultural, and food fields [1,2]. Phenolic
compounds are released into environment by a large number of industries, such
as coal mining, oil refinery, paint, polymer and pharmaceutical preparation.
Phenolic compounds are secondary
metabolites. They are not involved in growth and energy metabolism
and are usually generated in response to environmental stress. Some of
these phenolic compounds like phenol, hydroquinone, are also harmful to humans
and animals. Catechol (CC, 1,2-dihydroxybenzene) is a phenolic derivative with
several applications such as an antifungal preservative on potato plantations,
a photographic and fur dye developer, and as an antioxidant.
Therefore, the determination of
catechol is very important in environmental protection. Catechol undergoes
oxidation under mild conditions to give benzoquinone. Benzoquinone is said to
be antimicrobial, which slows the spoilage of wounded fruits and other plant
parts. Catechol is produced by the reversible two-electron, twoproton reduction
of 1,2-benzoquinone.
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