2-tert-Butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (TBQ, TBBQ, tBQ, BuBQ, BQ , tert-butyl-p-quinone) is a 1,4-benzoquinone derivative. It is a major metabolite of the food additive, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). TBQ is reported to be strongly cytotoxic in human monocytic leukemia U937 cells. TBQ is an oxidation product of 2-tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). Studies confirm that TBQ induces apoptosis and cell proliferation inhibition in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells. Its binding interactions with lysozyme has been examined and found to be intermediate between BHA and TBHQ. It has been reported to be synthesized by the titanium superoxide catalyzed oxidation of 2-tert-butylphenol using aq. 30% H2O2. TBQ is one of the main neoformed compounds from TBHQ decomposition in PLA-TBHQ film (Poly lactic acid).
