[3] Reflecting its slight hydrophilic character, white powder is moderately soluble in alcohols and can be recrystallized from hot water.

[3] The compound exhibits intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding involving the neighbouring amine and hydroxyl groups.

As a reducing agent, it is marketed under the names of Atomal and Ortol to develop black-and-white photographs.

Metal complex dyes using copper or chromium are commonly used for producing dull colors.

[5][6] Due to the adjacency of the amino and hydroxyl groups, 2-aminophenol readily forms heterocycles.