Methods for functionalization of anthraquinones

Anthraquinone derivatives (anthracene-9,10-dione) have found applications in medicine, chemical technology, and analytical chemistry, and are also promising for the creation of new materials. The development of methodologies for introducing functional groups into anthraquinones is fundamental for the targeted synthesis of new compounds. The structural features of anthraquinones, particularly the presence of electron-withdrawing carbonyl groups, significantly affect their chemical properties, making the modification of such derivatives often a non-trivial task. This review examines and analyzes methods for forming the most important bonds (C–C, C–N, C–O, C–S, C–Hal, C–Se, C–B, C–P) with anthraquinone, as presented in the scientific literature since 2000. The review of methods for modifying anthraquinone derivatives aims to systematize and evaluate the synthetic possibilities of constructing these bonds. The analysis of both new and classical methods for transforming this molecular scaffold will help to expand its structural diversity, identify new areas for studying its chemical properties, and facilitate the task of targeted synthesis of anthraquinone derivatives. The bibliography includes 224 references.