8-Hydroxyquinoline is a quinolone compound and antifungal with chelating properties. It is a natural product found in the root exudate of the invasive plant Centaurea diffusa. When in aqueous solution, it reacts with metal ions, forming 8-hydroxyquinoline-chelate complexes. The complexes and the heterocycle itself have disinfectant properties. Its halogenated derivatives can be used as anti-infectives.
8-Hydroxyquinoline is freely soluble in ethanol, acetone, chloroform, and benzene but is insoluble in water.