kwə̇ˈnōn, ˈkwiˌnōn noun
also chi·none kə̇ˈ-, ˈkwiˌ-
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary quin- or chin- + -one; originally formed as German chinon
1. : either of two isomeric cyclic crystalline compounds C 6 H 4 O 2 that are di-keto derivatives of dihydro-benzene:
a. : the pungent yellow para isomer obtained by oxidation of quinic acid or hydroquinone but usually made by oxidation of aniline (as in the manufacture of hydroquinone) and used chiefly as an oxidizing agent — called also benzoquinone, para-benzoquinone, p-benzoquinone, para-quinone, p-quinone ; compare quinhydrone , structural formula
b. : the red or colorless ortho isomer made by oxidation of pyrocatechol — called also ortho-benzoquinone, o-benzoquinone, ortho-quinone, o-quinone
2. : any of various compounds containing quinone structures that are usually yellow to orange (as in the para isomers) and orange to red (as in the ortho isomers) — compare anthraquinone , naphthoquinone