Veratrole

Veratrole (1,2-dimethoxybenzene, o-dimethoxybenzene, catechol dimethyl ether) is the dimethyl ether of catechol. At room temperature it is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid that solidifies to white crystals at low temperature, with a sweet aromatic odor — serving both as a pharmaceutical intermediate and a fragrance raw material. Slightly soluble in water, readily soluble in ethanol, ether, acetone and methanol; solidification point 21-23 °C, boiling point 206-207 °C; chemically stable.

It is produced by double methylation of catechol with a methylating agent under alkaline conditions — a mature, high-yield process. Both methoxy groups are ortho/para directors that jointly activate the ring toward electrophilic substitution, enabling multi-substituted benzene derivatives; the ether bonds remain stable even under harsh conditions. Store sealed and protected from light.