2-Methylhydroquinone

2-Methylhydroquinone (CAS 95-71-6) is a dihydroxytoluene compound also known commercially as Toluhydroquinone, 2,5-Toluenediol, and p-Toluhydroquinol. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under HS code 29072900. The EC number is 202-443-7 and the molecular formula is C7H8O2.

In personal care formulations, it functions as an antioxidant by donating hydrogen atoms to interrupt free radical chain reactions, extending product shelf life and stabilising colour in hair dye systems. In polymer processing, it acts as a UV stabiliser and polymerisation inhibitor, protecting resin matrices from photo-oxidative degradation during compounding and storage.

2-Methylhydroquinone is supplied as a crystalline powder and is available in technical and cosmetic-grade specifications. It is subject to REACH registration requirements within the EU. Procurement quantities typically range from kilogram laboratory packs to multi-tonne bulk shipments, with documentation available upon request to support formulation compliance reviews.