A brief history of the vitamin is presented from its early discovery to structural and, finally, stereochemical determination. An overview of synthetic approaches to vitamin K
1
is discussed. Work by researchers in the late 1930s largely forms the basis of the modern‐day industrial synthesis. Since this early work, industrial research has been directed toward process improvements in the basic methodology. Of particular note is the search for improved condensation catalysts, refinements in the oxidation of the naphthohydroquinone to the naphthoquinone, and more environmentally attractive routes to vitamin K
3
. In the case of vitamin K
3
there has been significant work on replacements to the historical chromium reagents. A number of patents on biotechnological approaches to the K vitamins have appeared. A synopsis of this work as well as a review of the biosynthesis is discussed. A brief review of the physiological role of vitamin K is presented. In addition to its well‐understood role in blood coagulation, its specific importance in bone mineralization as well as its general metabolic function are active areas of research.