An oxidised tocopherol,
formed from the
isomeric 2-methyl-2-phytyl-6-chromenol with
methyl groups in one or more of positions 5,7, and 8, by
migration of H
atom from 6-OH to C-4, which yields a 1,4-benzoquinone. Abbreviated TQ and preceded by alpha-, beta-, etc., as in the tocopherols, to
indicate degree of methylation.
Synonym: tocopherylquinone.