- Quinone
:"DDQ" redirects here. DDQ is also the former callsign of a TV station in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia."
Benzoquinone, or quinone is one of the two isomers of
cyclohexadienedione . These compounds have the molecular formula C6H4O2. Orthobenzoquinone is the 1,2-dione, whereas parabenzoquinone is the 1,4-dione.Orthobenzoquinone is the oxidized form of
catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene), while parabenzoquinone is the oxidized form ofhydroquinone . An acidicpotassium iodide solution reduces a solution of benzoquinone to hydroquinone, which is oxidized back with a solution ofsilver nitrate .Quinone is also the name for the class of compounds containing either benzoquinone isomers as part of their structure. Quinones are not
aromatic , but arediketone s.Biochemistry
Quinone is a common constituent of biologically relevant molecules (e.g. Vitamin K1 is phylloquinone). Others serve as electron acceptors in electron transport chains such as those in
Photosystem s I & II ofphotosynthesis , andaerobic respiration . A natural example of the oxidization of hydroquinone to quinone is the spray ofbombardier beetle s. Hydroquinone is reacted withhydrogen peroxide to produce a fiery blast of steam, a strong deterrent in the animal world. Quinones can be partially reduced to quinols.Oxidizing agents
Benzoquinone is used in
organic chemistry as an oxidizing agent. Stronger quinone oxidising agents exist; for instance: 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-parabenzoquinone (also known as p-chloranil) and 2,3-dicyano-5,6-dichloro-parabenzoquinone (also known as DDQ). [JerryMarch]References
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