2-Ethylanthraquinone is an oil-soluble anthraquinone derivative bearing an ethyl group at the 2-position. The compound is practically insoluble in water (≈ 0.25 mg L⁻¹ at 25 °C), freely soluble in benzene, toluene and dichloromethane, and can be recrystallised from ethanol or acetic acid. It exhibits strong UV-A/UV-B absorption (λmax 330 nm, log ε 3.9) and is stable to oxidation and heat. Commercial material is supplied at ≥ 98.5 % purity and remains stable for ≥ 2 years when stored in tightly closed containers at < 30 °C away from light.
Key Physicochemical Data:
Melting point: 108–111 °C (lit.)
Density: 1.27 g cm⁻³ (21 °C)
Flash point: > 210 °C (closed cup)
Vapour pressure: < 1 hPa at 25 °C
Log P (octanol/water): 4.6 (predicted)
Thermal stability: Stable to 230 °C; incompatible with strong oxidisers
Typical Uses:
Core catalyst/ carrier in the industrial anthraquinone process for hydrogen peroxide production (AO® loop) .
Photoinitiator for UV-curable epoxy, vinyl ether and oxetane systems; especially suited for thick-section and pigmented formulations .
Intermediate for manufacturing disperse and reactive dyes, and for synthesising fluorescent sensors and OLED materials .
Quality Specification (Commercial Grade):
Purity (HPLC): ≥ 98.5 %
Water content (KF): ≤ 0.2 %
Insolubles in benzene: ≤ 0.05 %
Sulfur: ≤ 10 ppm
Iron: ≤ 5 ppm
Chloride: ≤ 10 ppm
Hazard Statement:
Combustible solid; causes skin and eye irritation (H315 + H319). Avoid dust formation; use gloves, goggles and adequate ventilation. Store in a cool, dry place away from oxidants and strong acids. SDS available on request.
