Anthrols (sometimes called anthranols) are the hydroxylated derivatives of
anthracene
Anthracene is a solid polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) of formula C14H10, consisting of three fused benzene rings. It is a component of coal tar. Anthracene is used in the Economic production, production of the red dye alizarin and other dyes ...
. For the monohydroxo derivatives, three isomers are possible: 1-anthrol, 2-anthrol, and 9-anthrol. The latter exists as a minor tautomer of 9-
anthrone
Anthrone is a tricyclic aromatic ketone. It is used for a common cellulose assay and in the colorimetric determination of carbohydrates.
Derivatives of anthrone are used in pharmacy as laxative. They stimulate the motion of the colon and reduce w ...
. Despite their simplicity, these compounds have little commercial value. 1- and 2-substituted anthracenes typically are prepared via the hydroxy
anthroquinone
Anthraquinone, also called anthracenedione or dioxoanthracene, is an aromatic organic compound with formula . Isomers include various quinone derivatives. The term anthraquinone however refers to the isomer, 9,10-anthraquinone (IUPAC: 9,10-dioxoan ...
s, which means that the preparation of these derivatives is arduous.
References
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Anthracenes
Hydroxyarenes