Product Description

Molecular Formula: C11H8O2

Molecular Weight: 172.2

CAS Number: 58-27-5

Melting point: 105-107 °C1

λmax: 245 nm, 251 nm, 333 nm2

Extinction coefficient: EmM = 17.8, 18.6, 2.452

Synonyms: 2-methyl-1,4-napthoquinone, Vitamin K3, menaphthone, 2-methyl-1,4-naphthalenedione

Menadione belongs to the Vitamin K class of compounds, which are necessary for the biosynthesis of prothrombin and other blood clotting factors. Menadione is a prothrombogenic compound1 and is used as a model quinone in cell culture and in vivo investigations.

Menadione has been shown to affect gap-junctional intercellular communication by mediation of tyrosine phosphorylation.4 Menadione has demonstrated cytotoxic activity against a variety of cell culture lines and can induce apoptosis of cultured cells, such as osteoclasts and osteoblasts, via elevation of peroxide and superoxide radical levels.

An HPLC method for detection of menadione in human plasma has been published.

Precautions and Disclaimer

For Laboratory Use Only. Not for drug, household or other uses.

Preparation Instructions

This product is soluble in chloroform (100 mg/ml), with heating as needed, yielding a clear to slightly hazy, yellow-green solution. Menadione is also soluble in DMSO (1 mg/ml), and in ethanol (16 mg/ml).1

Storage/Stability

Alcoholic solutions of menadione are neutral by litmus testing, and can be heated to 120 °C without decomposition. However, menadione is destroyed by alkali solutions and reducing agents. It is recommended to protect menadione from light.