1,2-Dimethoxybenzene, commonly known as veratrole, is an organic compound with the formula CH(OCH). It is one of three isomers of dimethoxybenzene. It is a colorless liquid, with a pleasant odor and slight solubility in water. It is the dimethyl ether derived from pyrocatechol. Occurrence 1,2-Dimethoxybenzene is naturally occurring. Its biosynthesis entails the methylation of guaiacol by guaiacol O-methyltransferase. 1,2-Dimethoxybenzene is an insect attractant. Guaiacol O-methyltransferase gene is first scent gene discovered so far in any plant species. Uses 1,2-Dimethoxybenzene is a building block for the organic synthesis of other aromatic compounds. Veratrole is relatively electron-rich and thus readily undergoes electrophilic substitution. An example of the use of veratrole is in the synthesis of Domipizone. Veratrole can easily be brominated with NBS to give 4-bromoveratrole. Related compounds 1,3-Dimethoxybenzene 1,4-Dimethoxybenzene Methyl isoeugenol References O-methylated natural phenols