3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethanol
[CAS# 10597-60-1]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Aromatic alcohol
• Name: 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethanol
• Synonyms: Hydroxytyrosol; 4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)benzene-1,2-diol
• Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₀O₃
• Molecular Weight: 154.16
• CAS Registry Number: 10597-60-1
• EC Number: 600-704-3
• SMILES: C1=CC(=C(C=C1CCO)O)O

Properties

• Melting point: 40.3256 °C (760 mmHg)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H334-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P284-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P342+P316-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1A	H317
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1C	H314
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318

Discovery and Applications

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethanol, also known as hydroxytyrosol, is a naturally occurring phenolic compound.Hydroxytyrosol was originally identified as a natural component of olives (Olea europaea) and olive oil, both of which have been an integral part of the Mediterranean diet for centuries. Its chemical structure is C8H10O3, with a catechol group (a benzene ring with two adjacent hydroxyl groups) attached to an ethanol side chain. This structure is essential for its antioxidant activity, enabling it to effectively neutralize free radicals.

Hydroxytyrosol has powerful antioxidant properties and is a valuable compound that protects against oxidative stress, which is associated with many chronic diseases.

Hydroxytyrosol has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation, improve endothelial function, and have anti-inflammatory effects, all of which contribute to cardiovascular protection. Its role in mitigating atherosclerosis and reducing the risk of heart disease is also supported by research, especially in the context of a Mediterranean diet.

Studies have shown that hydroxytyrosol has neuroprotective effects and can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by combating oxidative damage in neural tissue.

Hydroxytyrosol has significant anti-inflammatory properties, which helps regulate inflammatory pathways and thus treat diseases such as arthritis. In addition, it also exhibits antimicrobial activity against various pathogens and has many applications in enhancing immune defense.

Hydroxytyrosol mainly acts as an antioxidant, donating hydrogen atoms to free radicals, thereby neutralizing them and preventing cell damage. Its high bioavailability and ability to penetrate cell membranes enhance its efficacy in protecting against oxidative stress at the cellular level. In addition, hydroxytyrosol regulates the expression of genes related to oxidative stress and inflammation, resulting in a wide range of biological effects.

Hydroxytyrosol is naturally present in olives, olive oil, and olive leaves, and is an important contributor to the health benefits of these foods. It is also available in concentrated form as a dietary supplement and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Olive extracts rich in hydroxytyrosol can be used to increase dietary intake, especially in areas where olive consumption is low.

References

Gamal, M., et al., 2025. In vivo and in silico insights into the antidiabetic efficacy of EVOO and hydroxytyrosol in a rat model. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 135, 109775.
DOI: 0.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109775

Bonacci, S., et al., 2024. Selective lipophilization of natural phenolic alcohols induced by in situ choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 72(50).
DOI: 0.1021/acs.jafc.4c09446

Hernández-García, S., et al., 2024. Olive oil tyrosols reduce α-synuclein aggregation in vitro – in vivo after ingestion in a Caenorhabditis elegans Parkinson’s model:. Food & Function, 15, 7214–7223.
DOI: 0.1039/D4FO01663G