o-Dianisidine is an organic compound with the formula [(CH3O)(H2N)C6H3]2. A colorless or white solid, it is a bifunctional compound derived via the benzidine rearrangement from o-anisidine.
o-Dianisidine is a precursor to some azo dyes by formation of the bis(diazonium) derivative, which is coupled to diverse aromatic compounds. Some commercial dyes derived from o-dianisidine include C. I. Direct Blue 1, 15, 22, 84, and 98.[1]
o-Dianisidine is also used in assaying activity of peroxidase in lab. The general reaction of a peroxidase is as follows.
Where the ROOR' can be hydrogen peroxide, and the electron donor be o-dianisidine.
Safety
The manufacture and degradation of o-dianisidine, like other benzidene derivatives, has attracted regulatory attention.[2] It is also used as a reagent in biochemistry in testing for peroxides.
References
^Klaus Hunger; Peter Mischke; Wolfgang Rieper; Roderich Raue; Klaus Kunde; Aloys Engel (2005). "Azo Dyes". Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a03_245. ISBN3527306730..
^Golka, Klaus; Kopps, Silke; Myslak, Zdislaw W. (2004). "Carcinogenicity of Azo Colorants: Influence of Solubility and Bioavailability". Toxicology Letters. 151 (1): 203–210. doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2003.11.016. PMID15177655.