What is "pyrogallol"

Pyrogallol \Pyr`o*gal"lol\, n. [Pyrogallic + -ol.] (Chem.) A phenol metameric with phloroglucin, obtained by the distillation of gallic acid as a poisonous white crystalline substance having acid properties, and hence called also pyrogallic acid. It is a strong reducer, and is used as a developer in photography and in the production of certain dyes.

n. (context organic compound English) A poisonous trihydroxy phenol, 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene, C₆H₃(OH)₃, used is a photographic developer.

n. a toxic white lustrous crystalline phenol used to treat certain skin diseases and as a photographic developer [syn: pyrogallic acid]

Pyrogallol is an organic compound with the formula CH(OH). It is a white solid although because of its sensitivity toward oxygen, samples are typically brownish. It is one of three isomeric benzenetriols.