What is "dihydroxybenzoic acid"

n. (context organic compound English) Any of six isomeric dihydroxy derivatives of benzoic acid

Dihydroxybenzoic acids (DHBA) are a type of phenolic acids.

There are six main compounds, having all the same molecular formula CHO. Those are:

• 2,3-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (2-Pyrocatechuic acid or hypogallic acid)
• 2,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (β-Resorcylic acid)
• 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (Gentisic acid)
• 2,6-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (γ-Resorcylic acid)
• 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (Protocatechuic acid)
• 3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (α-Resorcylic acid)

Orsellinic acid is also a dihydoxybenzoic acid having an extra methyl group.