Duroquinone

Duroquinone is an organic compound (C₄(CH₃)₄O₂). It is related to 1,4-benzoquinone by replacement of four H centres with methyl (Me) groups. The C₁₀O₂ core of this molecule is planar with two pairs of C=O and C=C bonds.

The compound is produced via nitration of durene (1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene) followed reduction to the diamine and then oxidation.

A derived organoiron compound (η²,η²-C₄(CH₃)₄O₂)Fe(CO)₃ is obtained by the carbonylation of 2-butyne in the presence of iron pentacarbonyl.

The molecule has been mentioned in the popular press as a component of a "nano brain".