Quinones

Quinones are a class of organic compounds characterized by a six-membered aromatic ring containing two carbonyl groups (C=O) in adjacent positions. This structural motif is often represented as a benzoquinone ring system, where the carbonyl groups are typically conjugated with the aromatic ring, imparting significant stability and reactivity. Quinones are widely distributed in nature and play essential roles in biological processes such as electron transfer reactions in cellular respiration and photosynthesis. They are also used industrially as oxidizing agents and in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and polymers.