Propofol and Impurities

2,6-Diisopropyl-1,4-benzoquinone is a diphenol that reacts with a variety of organic compounds in the presence of heat. It has been used as a mesoporous material to adsorb hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide in the water treatment process. 2,6-Diisopropyl-1,4-benzoquinone is also able to react with oxygen to form an n-oxide. This compound is most often used for the manufacture of phenolic antioxidants such as dibenzoyl peroxide and pentafluorobenzoic acid. The active site on this molecule is thought to be at the double bond between carbons 6 and 7. Impurities may include anisidine and other aromatic amines that can cause reactions with hydrogen peroxide when exposed to light or certain wavelengths of radiation.