2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid

2,3-Dihydroxybenzoic acid is a natural phenolic compound and a dihydroxybenzoic acid derivative with hydroxy groups at positions 2 and 3 of the benzoic ring. It occurs naturally in plants such as Phyllanthus acidus and Salvinia molesta and is also produced by certain bacteria including Escherichia coli. In humans, it can be formed as a metabolite of aspirin. The compound acts as an **iron chelator**—binding to iron ions—and has been studied for its potential use in treating iron overload conditions such as beta-thalassemia major. Its mechanism involves chelation of free iron ions to promote their excretion from the body[5][8]. Additionally, it serves as a biological marker for hydroxyl radical formation due to its generation during oxidative attack on salicylic acids[4]. It also exhibits antimicrobial properties[8].

Other names

2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acidpyrocatechuic acido-pyrocatechuic acid2-pyrocatechuic acid3-hydroxysalicylic acidhypogallic acid