1. Plural of catechol; organic compounds with two hydroxyl groups attached to a benzene ring, found in plants and used in chemical synthesis and medicine.
Usage: chemistry; technical

Examples

• Catechols are important intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.
• The plant produces catechols as part of its natural defense mechanism.
• Researchers studied how catechols interact with enzymes in the body.
• Catechols are commonly used in the production of adhesives and polymers.
• The oxidation of catechols can lead to the formation of quinones.