Mequinol, MeHQ or 4-methoxyphenol, is an organic compound with the formula . It is a phenol with a methoxy group in the para position. A colorless solid, it is used in dermatology
Use in dermatology
Mequinol is a common active ingredient in
used for
Skin whitening. As a topical drug mequinol is often mixed with
tretinoin, a topical
retinoid. A common
dosage form for this drug is an
Ethanol of 2% mequinol and 0.01% tretinoin by mass.
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.
Organic chemistry
In organic chemistry 4-methoxyphenol is used as a polymerisation inhibitor (e.g.
or
styrene monomers).
4-Methoxyphenol can be produced from p-benzoquinone and methanol via a free radical reaction.
Safety
The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 5 mg/m
3 over an 8-hour workday.
See also
External links
