| Molecular Formula | C21H34O2 |
| Toxicity | A 1-(alkyl)- or 1-(alkenyl)-2,3-dihydroxybenzene, where the alkyl/alkenyl group is C15-C17 with one to three double bonds. Urushiol is a mixture of several catechol derivatives that are the main constituents of the irritant oil of plants of the Toxicodendron species, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and the Asiatic lacquer tree. It is responsible for the dermatitis condition commonly known as poison ivy. Urushiol can cause hypersensitivity in a large percentage of the population by dermal contact, or more seriously, through inhalation of burning vegetation. Prompt removal of the toxin by swabbing of the skin (e.g., with methanol or commercial organic solvents) can prevent or minimize dermal toxicity when contact is certain. Once the char_x0002_acteristic urticaria, blistering and itching develop, therapy is symptomatic (compresses or calamine lotion), or in severe cases, corticosteroids like prednisolone can be given. |
| toxic substance data | information provided by: pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (external link) |