Anthraquinone

CAS: 84-65-1

Overview

Anthraquinone (CAS 84-65-1 ), also referred to as 9,10-quinone, is a polycyclic aromatic ketone that functions as a core intermediate and process catalyst across dye manufacturing and specialty chemical production.

Its primary commercial role is as a building block for anthraquinone-based dyes and as a pulping catalyst that accelerates delignification in paper manufacturing, delivering measurable efficiency gains at the mill level.

In the textile and paper industries, this chemical is added to alkaline pulping processes to increase pulp yield and reduce cooking time. It serves as the foundational precursor for a broad range of vat dyes.

Reactive dyes and acid dyes used in fabric dyeing and printing also rely on this intermediate. In printing and packaging, derivatives contribute to high-performance pigments where lightfastness and thermal stability are critical.

Cosmetic colorant manufacturers source this material as a starting material for synthetic hair dyes and color additives approved in certain regulated markets. It is supplied as a pale yellow to yellow crystalline powder.

Technical grade is the standard commercial form, with purity levels typically ranging from 95% to 99%+. High-purity grades are available for applications requiring tighter specification control for regulated use.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	286 °C
Boiling Point	377 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density	1.419 g/cm³
Flash Point	365 °F
Appearance	Anthraquinone is a combustible, light yellow to green crystalline solid.
Color	Yellow-green to khaki to tan
Form	Powder
Water Solubility	<0.1 g/100 mL at 23 ºC
Vapor Pressure	1 mm Hg ( 190 °C)
Refractive Index	1.5681 (estimate)
Log P	3.39-3.4 at 30℃

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS08 GHS07 GHS09 Hazard Statements H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H320 Causes eye irritation H350 May cause cancer H351 Suspected of causing cancer H373 May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H400 Very toxic to aquatic life H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P391 Collect spillage. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P333+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	29146100
Storage Class	6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3 toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects
WGK (Germany)	1

Other Names

Industries

Personal Care & Cosmetics Textile, Leather & Paper Printing & Packaging