Methylpyrocatechin. C6 H4. OH. OCH3 Originally obtained from Ouaiacum resin.

A component part, about 60 per cent, or more, of wood creasote, of which it has the odour and taste; a colourless liquor, s.g. 1*117. Soluble in alcohol and ether.

Guaiacol is the methyl-ether of pyrocatechin - OH. C6 H4, OCH3. Creosol is the methyl-ether of homo-pyrocatechin - OH. C6 H3, (CH3) O.C.H3.

Creosote is mainly composed of guaiacol and creosol. Pure Creosol has spec. grav. 1-089 at 13° C. Guaiacol is insoluble in benzin, but creosol is soluble in this menstruum.

Creosol must not be confounded with Cresol, which is a generic name for three isomeric bodies (difficult to separate} contained in coal-tar, and also in certain wood-tars, and which have the composition OH. C6, H4, CH3. Beechwood-tar contains both cresol and creosol.

Therapeutics. Valuable in phthisis. Dose, 1/2 to 2 minims several times a day, after meals, preferably in a mixture of alcohol, wine and water. The baccilli decrease and lung symptoms improve.

Guaiacol-carboxylic Acid has antipyretic and antiseptic properties.