Chemical Properties
YELLOW TO GREEN-YELLOW FINE POWDER
Uses
2-Methylanthraquinone is used as a pharmaceutical intermediate. It is used in smog dyes.
2-Methylanthraquinone may be used in the preparation of potential bioreducible anthraquinone derivatives.
Definition
ChEBI: 2-methylanthraquinone is an anthraquinone that is 9,10-anthraquinone in which the hydrogen at position 2 is substituted by a methyl group. It derives from a 9,10-anthraquinone.
Reactions
The compound is produced by the reaction of phthalic anhydride and toluene. It can be chlorinated to give 1-chloro-2-methylanthraquinone. Nitration gives 1-nitro-2-methylanthraquinone, which can be reduced to 1-amino-2-methyl derivative. Oxidation of the methyl group gives anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid.
Synthesis Reference(s)
Canadian Journal of Chemistry, 44, p. 2881, 1966
DOI: 10.1139/v66-428
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Purification Methods
Crystallise the quinone from EtOH, then sublime it. It has max at 257, 275 and 330nm (EtOH). [Hersbery & Fieser J Am Chem Soc 63 2562 1941, Beilstein 7 H 809, 7 III 4104, 7 IV 2574.]
