Evaluation of thermal stability of quinones by thermal analysis techniques

The thermal behavior of quinones, such as 1,4-benzoquinone; 1,2-naphthoquinone; 1,4-naphthoquinone; 9,10-phenanthraquinone and 9,10-anthraquinone, was evaluated by simultaneous thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Headspace analysis in GC–MS in different temperatures previously identified by TG and DSC was also performed and provided information about thermal behavior of quinones and their degradation products. Results showed that 1,4-benzoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone and 9,10-anthraquinone are thermally stable over the range of the temperature evaluated, while 1,2-naphtoquinone and 9,10-phenanthraquinone decompose above 100 °C and 215 °C, respectively. Overall, results indicate that the molecular structure influences strongly the course of the thermal decomposition of these quinones and it is a determining factor for its thermal stability.

► We evaluated the thermal behavior of quinones, by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
► The 1,4-benzoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone and 9,10-anthraquinone are thermal stable from 25 °C to 550 °C.
► The 1,2-naphthoquinone and 9,10-phenanthraquinone decompose above 100 °C and 206 °C, respectively.
► The molecular structure influences strongly the course of the thermal decomposition of these quinones.
► The intramolecular interaction of carbonyl groups in ortho position seems to favor the thermal degradation.