What is "benzoquinone"

n. (context organic compound English) Either of the two isomeric forms of the simplest quinone, C₆H₄O₂, or any of their derivatives.

n. any of a class of aromatic yellow compounds including several that are biologically important as coenzymes or acceptors or vitamins; used in making dyes [syn: quinone]

Benzoquinone is a quinone with a single benzene ring, of which there are only two:

• 1,4-Benzoquinone, most commonly (also para-benzoquinone, p-benzoquinone, para-quinone, or just quinone)
• 1,2-Benzoquinone, less commonly (also ortho-benzoquinone, o-benzoquinone, ortho-quinone)

It has been found in the rhizomes of Iris kemaonensis.