1,2-Naphthoquinone

1,2-Naphthoquinone or ortho-naphthoquinone is a polycyclic aromatic organic compound with formula. It is classified as a 1,2-diketone as well as an ortho-quinone. More specifically, it is one of several naphthoquinones.

Preparation and occurrence

1,2-Naphthoquinone is produced commercially by air-oxidation of 1-naphthol in the presence of copper catalyst. A laboratory route involved oxidation of 1-amino-2-hydroxynaphthalene with ferric chloride.
It is a metabolite of naphthalene. It arises from the naphthalene-1,2-oxide.
It is also found in diesel exhaust particles. The accumulation of 1,2-naphthoquinone has been shown to damage the eyes of rats.