anthracene910dione

Anthracene-9,10-dione, commonly known as anthraquinone, is an aromatic diketone with the formula C14H8O2. It consists of three fused benzene rings with carbonyl groups at the 9 and 10 positions, giving a planar, highly conjugated structure. As a member of the quinone family, it exhibits typical redox chemistry and behaves as an electron-deficient, electrophilic aromatic compound.

Production and occurrence: Anthraquinone occurs in small amounts in coal tar and related petroleums. Industrially, it is produced by the oxidation of anthracene in the presence of catalysts such as vanadium oxides and oxygen. It can also be formed via oxidation routes from other anthracene derivatives.

Applications: It is a major industrial intermediate in the production of anthraquinone dyes and pigments. Derivatives of anthraquinone, including hydroxyanthraquinones, are widely used as textile dyes and pigments. The compound also serves as a building block in organic synthesis and has historical significance in dye chemistry, being related to alizarin and several other well-known dyes.

Physical properties: Anthraquinone is a pale yellow to white crystalline solid with a high melting point (about 284–286°C). It is poorly soluble in water but dissolves in many organic solvents such as benzene, chloroform, and ether. The material is relatively stable under ordinary conditions, though it can slowly oxidize in air.

Safety and handling: It is considered a hazardous substance that can cause skin and eye irritation. Proper ventilation, gloves, and eye protection should be used when handling, and environmental release should be minimized.