What is "menadione"

n. (context biochemistry English) a derivative of naphthoquinone that is a constituent of vitamin K

n. a form of vitamin K [syn: vitamin K3]

Menadione is a organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO)2C2H(CH3). It is an analog of 1,4-naphthoquinone with a methyl group in the 2-position. It is occasionally used as a nutritional supplement because of its vitamin K activity.