4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone

4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone is an organic compound with the formula (HOC6H4)2CO. This off-white solid is a precursor to, or a degradation product of, diverse commercial materials. It is a potential endocrine disruptor.

Synthesis
4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone is prepared by the rearrangement of p-hydroxyphenylbenzoate:


 * HOC6H4CO2C6H5 →  (HOC6H4)2CO

Alternatively, p-hydroxybenzoic acid can be converted to p-acetoxybenzoyl chloride. This acid chloride reacts with phenol to give, after deacetylation, 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone.

Uses
The main application of 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone is as a UV light stabilizer. It and its derivatives are found in cosmetics, plastics, films, adhesives and coatings, optical fiber, and printed circuit boards. It is the precursor to certain polycarbonate polymers.