Naphthoquinone

Naphthoquinone, or more precisely 1,4-naphthoquinone, is an organic compound. It forms yellow triclinic crystals and has an odor similar to benzoquinone. It is sparingly soluble in cold water, slightly soluble in petroleum ether, and freely soluble in most polar organic solvents. In alkaline solutions it produces a reddish-brown color. Because of their aromatic stability, 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives are known to possess anti-bacterial and anti-tumor properties.

Naphthoquione forms the central chemical structure of many natural compounds, most notably the K vitamins.