quinone

[ kwi-nohn, kwin-ohn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a yellow, crystalline, cyclic unsaturated diketone, C 6 H 4 O 2 , formed by oxidizing aniline or hydroquinone: used chiefly in photography and in tanning leather.
2. any of a class of compounds of this type.

quinone

/ ˈkwɪnəʊn; kwɪˈnəʊn /

noun

1. another name for benzoquinone

quinone

/ kwĭ-nōn′,kwĭn′ōn′ /

1. Any of a class of organic compounds that occur naturally as pigments in bacteria, plants, and certain fungi. Quinones have two carbonyl groups (CO) in an unsaturated six-member carbon ring.
2. A yellow crystalline compound belonging to this class, used in photography, to make dyes and to tan hides. Chemical formula: C 6 H 4 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of quinone¹

First recorded in 1850–55; quin(ic acid) + -one

Example Sentences

Within the molecules are chemical groups called quinones, which are the electron reservoirs, and amines, which help the material to form strong hydrogen bonds.

From Science Daily

Known to scientists as 6PPD quinone, it’s a chemical compound that prevents tires from cracking and breaking down.

From Seattle Times

The molecule was renamed ubiquinone because of its ubiquity and because it contains a type of chemical structure known as a quinone.

From Nature

One enzyme essential to the survival of P. falciparum, but not found in humans, is quinone oxidoreductase.

From Nature

For example, electron transfer from the cell cytoplasm to a quinone molecule in the lipid membrane is similar to the steps of a conventional electron-transport chain.

From Nature