Complex formation in concentrated sulfuric acid between boric acid and quinalizarin or alizarin

The complex formation in concentrated sulfuric acid between boric acid and quinalizarin (1,2,5,8-tetrahydroxyanthraquinone) or alizarin (1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone) was studied by spectrophotometry. Both systems contained only one species, viz. a complex between one boric acid and one hydroxyanthraquinone molecules. The reactions of boric acid with hydroxyanthraquinones are discussed and compared with the reaction of boric acid with 1,1'-dianthrimide.