Anthraquinones
For the parent molecule 9,10-antraquinone, see anthraquinone
Anthraquinones (also known as anthraquinonoids) are a class of naturally occurring phenolic compounds based on the 9,10-anthraquinone skeleton.
Contents
Biosynthesis
A type II polyketide synthase is responsible for anthraquinone biosynthesis in the bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens.[1] Chorismate, formed by isochorismate synthase in the shikimate pathway, is an important precursor of anthraquinones in Morinda citrifolia. [2]
Test for anthraquinones in natural extracts
0.5g of plant extract is shaken with 10 ml of benzene and filtered. 5ml of 10% ammonia is added to the filtrate. The mixture is shaken and the presence of pink, red or violet colour indicates the presence of anthraquinones.[3]
Derivatives
Hypericin and fagopyrin are naphthodianthrones, anthraquinone-derivatives.
Applications
Many quinones are stable in multiple redox states; as such they can absorb electrons when appropriate counterions are available to maintain the bulk neutrality of the material. As such, 2,6-dihydroanthraquinone can be used as a negative electrolyte reservoir in an alkaline flow battery (opposite ferrocyanide) to store electrons when a current is applied at an ion-selective membrane.[4]
Anthraquinones are also used as laxatives such as in the drug Senna glycoside.
References
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