3-Aminophenol is an organic compound with formula C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>(NH<sub>2</sub>)(OH). It is an aromatic amine and a phenol. It is the meta isomer of 2-aminophenol and 4-aminophenol.
3-Aminophenol is prepared by reduction of 3-nitrophenol. It can also be prepared by caustic fusion of 3-aminobenzenesulfonic acid (i.e. heating with NaOH to 245 ðC for 6 hours) or from resorcinol via a substitution reaction with ammonium hydroxide.
One of the most relevant applications of the substance is the synthesis of 3-(diethylamino)phenol, which is used for the preparation of several fluorescent dyes (e.g., rhodamine B). Other uses for the compound include hair dye colorants and stabilizers for chlorine-containing thermoplastics.