Description
2,6-DimethoXY-1A-benzoquinone is an allergen in
more than 50 different plants and wood species, e.g.,
mahogany, macore~, sipo, wenge, oak, beech, elms, and
poplar. With acamelin, it is one of the allergens of
Acacia melanoxylon. Sensitization can occur in woodworkers
such as carpenters, joiners and sawyers.
Chemical Properties
yellow powder
Uses
2,6-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone may be used in the synthesis of 2-aryl-3,5-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone derivatives.
Synthesis Reference(s)
Chemistry Letters, 16, p. 771, 1987
The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 45, p. 1596, 1980
DOI: 10.1021/jo01297a010
General Description
2,6-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DBQ, 2,6-DMBQ, DMOBQ) is a 1,4-benzoquinone derivative. It is a wood allergen, has been reported to cause various skin and mucosal symptoms on exposure to wood dusts. It is formed as a product due to the activity of bacterial
Azospirillum lipoferum laccase on phenolic compounds of the syringic type. DBQ is one of the components isolated from the rhizome of
Gynura japonica with a potential to show anti-platelet aggregation activity
in vitro. It is an anticancer agent, whose kinetics of cyclic redox transformation induced by ascorbate (AscH-) has been studied using the Clark electrode and ESR techniques. Its electrochemical reduction in acetonitrile has been studied.
Contact allergens
2,6-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone is an allergen in more
than 50 different plants and wood species, e.g., mahog-
any, macore, sipo, wenge, oak, beech, elms, and poplar.
With acamelin, it is one of the allergens of Acacia mel-
anoxylon. Sensitization can occur in woodworkers such
as carpenters, joiners, and sawyers.
Purification Methods
Crystallise the quinone from H2O or acetic acid. It sublimes at 175-180o/1mm. It has UV with max at 287 and 377nm (CHCl3). [Beilstein 8 H 385, 8 I 683, 8 II 433, 8 III 3354, 8 IV 2710,]
