Anthraquinonebased

Anthraquinone-based compounds are chemical species that incorporate the anthraquinone moiety, a planar tricyclic aromatic core with two carbonyl groups at the 9 and 10 positions. These compounds often bear various substituents that modulate color, solubility, and redox properties. The term encompasses a wide range of materials, including dyes, pigments, and redox-active materials used in energy storage and organic electronics.

Structure and properties are dominated by the conjugated anthracene-derived rings and the quinone functionality. The core enables reversible redox chemistry, typically involving a two-electron quinone/hydroquinone couple, which underpins many of its applications. Substituents can shift absorption wavelengths, altering color, and can also affect planarity, solubility, and electrochemical potential.

Synthesis and derivatization methods include oxidation of suitable anthracene precursors to form anthraquinone cores, followed by functionalization through electrophilic aromatic substitution, Friedel–Crafts methods, or nucleophilic additions. Sulfonation or other hydrophilic modifications are common to improve water solubility for dyeing or battery applications, as seen in sulfonated derivatives.

Applications are diverse. In dyes and pigments, anthraquinone derivatives such as alizarin have long been used for coloration. In energy storage, anthraquinone-based materials serve as redox-active components in aqueous and other redox flow batteries, as well as in some organic batteries and supercapacitors. In organic electronics and photocatalysis, tailored anthraquinone compounds function as electron-accepting units or light-absorbing materials.

Safety and environmental considerations vary by substituent; some derivatives can be irritants or have ecological impacts. Proper handling, disposal, and compliance with regulations are essential for all anthraquinone-based substances.