Tectoquinone

Tectoquinone, with the CAS number 84-54-8 and IUPAC name 2-methylanthracene-9,10-dione, is a naturally occurring anthraquinone compound that has garnered attention in both academic research and industrial applications. It belongs to the quinones chemical family, a class of compounds known for their diverse biological activities and structural versatility.
This compound is typically isolated from specific natural sources. Notably, it can be extracted from the roots of Morinda umbellata L., as well as identified in organisms like Camellia sinensis and Rhinacanthus nasutus. Its natural origin adds to its appeal in fields focusing on sustainable and bio-based compounds.
Tectoquinone is recognized by multiple synonyms in scientific and industrial contexts, including 2-methyl anthraquinone, beta-methyl anthraquinone, 2-MAQ, and NSC 607. Chemically, it has a molecular formula of C₁₅H₁₀O₂ and a molecular weight of 222.24 g/mol, with a defined structure characterized by an anthraquinone skeleton substituted with a methyl group at the C-2 position.
Historically, the discovery of its bioactive properties has driven its study. Early research focused on its isolation and structural elucidation, while contemporary work explores its potential in targeted applications—ranging from vector control to therapeutic development—due to its unique chemical and biological profiles.

Potent Targeted Activity: Exhibits the strongest mosquito larvicidal activity among related anthraquinone congeners, particularly against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae—key vectors of diseases like dengue and Zika.
Broad Research Versatility: Serves dual roles as a potential biomarker component and a precursor for synthesizing bio-reducible anthraquinone derivatives, expanding its utility across multiple research pipelines.
Proven Anti-Viral Potential: Identified as a major SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitor, offering value in antiviral research and therapeutic development for COVID-19.
Consistent Supply Quality: Manufactured to meet strict QA standards, with accessible documentation (e.g., COA, SDS) to support compliance and reproducibility in experiments.
Structural Uniqueness: The C-2 methyl substitution on its anthraquinone skeleton enhances its bioactivity compared to unsubstituted or differently substituted analogs, making it a preferred choice for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.

Vector Control Research: Used to develop eco-friendly mosquito larvicides, leveraging its low LC₅₀ values (3.3 μg/ml for Aedes aegypti and 5.4 μg/ml for Aedes albopictus within 24 hours) as a safer alternative to synthetic pesticides.
Antiviral Drug Development: Investigated for its role in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 protease, a critical target for mitigating COVID-19 infection, in preclinical and in vitro studies.
Biomarker Research: Employed as a component of potential biomarkers, aiding in the detection and monitoring of specific biological processes or conditions.
Organic Synthesis: Serves as a building block for preparing bio-reducible anthraquinone derivatives, which have applications in targeted drug delivery and cancer therapy.
Natural Product Studies: Used as a reference compound in phytochemical research to identify and quantify related anthraquinones in plant extracts from species like Camellia sinensis and Morinda umbellata.

In the field of anthraquinone-based research and natural product applications, customers interested in Tectoquinone often seek complementary compounds with overlapping or adjacent functionalities. Key related products include 1-methylanthraquinone (a structural isomer with comparative bioactivity profiles), anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid (used in synthesis of bioactive derivatives), emodin (a well-studied anthraquinone with anti-inflammatory properties), and aloe-emodin (employed in anticancer and antiviral research). These compounds share the anthraquinone skeleton and are widely used in vector control, drug discovery, and phytochemical analysis—aligning with Tectoquinone’s core application areas. If you are interested in related products, you can directly contact us or inquire about our product customization services.