What is "phylloquinone"

n. (context organic compound English) A polycyclic aromatic ketone, based on 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone.

n. a form of vitamin K [syn: vitamin K1, phytonadione]

Phylloquinone, also Vitamin K, is a polycyclic aromatic ketone, based on 2- methyl- 1,4-naphthoquinone, with a 3- phytyl substituent.

It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stable to air and moisture but decomposes in sunlight. It is found naturally in a wide variety of green plants, particularly leaves, since it functions as an electron acceptor during photosynthesis, forming part of the electron transport chain of Photosystem I.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medication needed in a basic health system.