In this paper, we present a brief review of quinoid systems, focusing on their chemical synthesis over the last decade. We address not only major methods of synthesizing quinoids, but also their involvement in biological processes. We highlight their medical relevance and versatility, including antitumor, antiretroviral, or antihypertensive agents, properties determined by their various patterns of substitution.
Graphical AbstractKeywords Quinone Á Synthesis Á Cytotoxicity Á Natural products Á Pharmacology Á Redox Abbreviations 3a-HSD 3a-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome AlnA Alnumycin A AlnB Alnumycin B BAQ Benzanthracene quinone (7,12-benzo[a] anthraquinone) BPQ Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dione CAN Ceric ammonium nitrate CC 50 50 % Cytotoxic concentration CDC25 Cell division cycle phosphatases Cyt Ferricytochrome d-A 2 0 -Deoxyadenosine DBU 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene DDQ 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone d-G, d-Guo 2'-Deoxyguanosine DMF N,N-dimethylformamide DMP Dess-Martin periodinane DMSO