A comprehensive review on resorcinol and its derivatives: synthetic strategies and pharmacological significance

Resorcinol (1, 3-dihydroxy benzene) is a basic chemical intermediate, which is widely used in the production of polymers, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty materials. The chemical structure of resorcinol, which is unique due to the presence of two hydroxyl substituents in the meta-position of the benzene ring, gives it a significant reactivity and a characteristic pharmacological profile. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthetic approaches to resorcinol, including the traditional industrial pathways to the new green and sustainable approaches. In addition, it discusses the importance of in-silico computational studies in the modern resorcinol studies, and provides a comprehensive evaluation of its pharmacological action and therapeutic uses, especially in dermatology. The application of Density Functional Theory (DFT), molecular docking and quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models in the explanation of reaction mechanisms and in the design of new derivatives are critically assessed., this review highlights key achievements, addresses current challenges, and outlines future perspectives for the development of efficient, sustainable, and application-driven resorcinol chemistry. This review not only summarizes existing literature but also provides a critical evaluation of synthetic methodologies, computational approaches, and pharmacological activities, highlighting key limitations, comparative insights, and future research directions. Graphical Abstract