MOLECULE

1,3,5-Trihydroxybenzene

1,3,5-Trihydroxybenzene, also known as 1,3,5-benzenetriol or benzene-1,3,5-triol, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as phloroglucinols and derivatives. Phloroglucinols and derivatives are compounds containing a phloroglucinol (benzene-1,3,5-triol) moiety, which consists of a benzene ring bearing one hydroxyl group at positions 1,3, and 5. It is an organic compound that is used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and explosives. This molecule exists in two forms, or tautomers, 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene, which has phenol-like, and 1,3,5-cyclohexanetrione (phloroglucin), which has ketone-like character. 1,3,5-Trihydroxybenzene has been found to be a metabolite in Pseudomonas (PMID: 15826166). 1,3,5-Trihydroxybenzene is an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). Outside of the human body, 1,3,5-Trihydroxybenzene is found, on average, in the highest concentration within garden onions. 1,3,5-Trihydroxybenzene has also been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as carobs, highbush blueberries, soft-necked garlics, tarragons, and tea. This could make 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. These two tautomers are in equilibrium. Phloroglucinol is a useful intermediate because it is polyfunctional. Phloroglucinol is a benzenetriol. 1,3,5-Trihydroxybenzene is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.