Benzanthrone

Chemical properties

light yellow powder

The Uses of Benzanthrone

Benzanthrone is reducing agent such as iron. Benzanthrone is an important intermediate for manufacturing vat dyes.

The Uses of Benzanthrone

hepatotoxic, P450 suppressant

The Uses of Benzanthrone

Manufacture of dyes.

Definition

A four-ring system.

General Description

Yellow needles.

Reactivity Profile

Benzanthrone is incompatible with nitrobenzene and potassium hydroxide. Benzanthrone is also incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for Benzanthrone are not available; however, Benzanthrone is probably combustible.

Synthesis

Benzanthrone is prepared commercially by reacting anthraquinone with glycerol, sulfuric acid, and a reducing agent, usually iron. This involves reduction of anthraquinone to anthrone (122), which condenses immediately with the acrolein formed by dehydration of glycerol, and is finally oxidized by the sulfuric acid , , . An improved process is described in , . More recently, the use of phosphorus or a phosphorus compound, e.g., sodium hypophosphite, has been proposed as the reducing agent . Electrochemical procedures have been also suggested , . It is possible to start with anthrone prepared in a separate step, e.g., by hydrogenation . Benzanthrone is best purified by sublimation.

Purification Methods

Crystallise benzanthrone from EtOH or xylene. [Beilstein 7 IV 1819.]