Product Overview HQ

Hydroquinone (1,4-dihydroxybenzene, 1,4-benzenediol) is a white crystalline organic compound with strong reducing properties. It is one of the most widely used aromatic diols in the chemical industry, valued for its reactivity as a reducing agent, antioxidant, and polymerization inhibitor.

ZHAOYUAN supplies photographic-grade hydroquinone at ≥99% purity with full COA documentation. The product meets the requirements for use in photographic developers, rubber antioxidants, polymer stabilization, and chemical synthesis applications.

Specifications Photographic Grade

ParameterSpecificationTypical Value
Appearance White crystal powder Confirmed
Content (Purity) 99.0 – 100.5% 99.9%
Melting Point 171 – 175°C 172.8°C
Residue after Ignition ≤ 0.1% 0.05%
Iron (Fe) ≤ 0.002% 0.001%
Lead (Pb) ≤ 0.002% 0.001%

Full COA provided with every shipment. MSDS available on request.

Applications

Photographic Developers
Primary reducing agent in black-and-white photographic developer formulations. Reduces silver halide to metallic silver to form the photographic image.
Polymer Stabilizer
Used as a polymerization inhibitor in the production and storage of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and other vinyl monomers to prevent premature polymerization.
Antioxidants
Raw material for manufacturing antioxidants used in rubber, plastics, and lubricant formulations. Protects against oxidative degradation during processing and service life.
Chemical Synthesis
Intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. Used in the production of arbutin, hydroquinone diacetate, and other derivatives.
Cosmetics & Skin Care
Used as a skin-lightening active ingredient in regulated cosmetic and pharmaceutical topical formulations. Subject to concentration limits by jurisdiction.
Electronics & Coatings
Used in photoresist formulations for printed circuit board manufacturing, and as a component in electroplating and specialty coating applications.

Packaging & Storage

Standard Packaging 25 kg fiber drums or cartons with inner PE liner
Storage Conditions Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from light, heat, and oxidizing agents. Keep containers tightly sealed.
Shelf Life 1 year from manufacture date under recommended storage conditions
HS Code 2907.21 (Resorcinol and its salts / Dihydric phenols)
⚠ Handling & Safety

Hydroquinone is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. It may cause skin sensitization and eye irritation. Handle with appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection in dusty conditions). Full MSDS available on request. Buyers are responsible for compliance with local import and handling regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hydroquinone used for?

Hydroquinone is used as a reducing agent in black-and-white photographic developers, a polymerization inhibitor for acrylic and methacrylic acid monomers, a raw material for rubber and plastic antioxidants, a chemical intermediate for pharmaceuticals and dyes, and — under regulated concentration limits — an active ingredient in skin-lightening cosmetic formulations.

What purity and grade does ZHAOYUAN supply?

ZHAOYUAN supplies photographic-grade hydroquinone at ≥99% purity, with melting point 171–175°C and tight limits on iron (≤0.002%) and lead (≤0.002%) content. A full certificate of analysis (COA) is provided with every shipment.

Why is hydroquinone used as a polymerization inhibitor?

Hydroquinone prevents premature polymerization during the production and storage of vinyl monomers such as acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, protecting these reactive intermediates from degrading before their intended use.

Is hydroquinone hazardous to handle?

Yes — hydroquinone is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin, and may cause skin sensitization and eye irritation. Appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection in dusty conditions) is required, and full MSDS documentation is available on request.

How should hydroquinone be stored?

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from light, heat, and oxidizing agents, with containers kept tightly sealed. Shelf life is 1 year from the manufacture date under recommended storage conditions.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Minimum order is 300 kg and is negotiable. Contact us with your target application and destination for a quote — buyers are responsible for compliance with local import and handling regulations for hydroquinone.

What factors affect the price of hydroquinone?

Pricing depends on purity grade, order quantity, packaging, and destination/shipping terms — international shipping of hydroquinone is also subject to regulatory classification, which can affect logistics cost. Contact us with your target quantity and destination for a quote.

Is ZHAOYUAN a hydroquinone manufacturer or a trading company?

ZHAOYUAN supplies hydroquinone directly from China with export capability for bulk orders worldwide, and also delivers turnkey EPC engineering for cellulose ether production plants — giving customers both a chemical supply source and a manufacturing-side engineering partner.