Menadione
2 -methyl-1 ,4-naphthoquinone, Vitamin K3
B02BA02
105-107 ° C
Insoluble in water
Attention
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Menadione is one of the group of K vitamins and is also known as vitamin K3.
Menadione is produced synthetically and is not sensitive to oxygen. Decomposition is carried by light, alkalis, strong acids and reducing substances. It was formerly temporarily applied clinically in water-soluble form as K3 -Sodium hydrogen sulfite or diphosphate. Vitamin K3 is irritating in solid form the respiratory tract and skin. Because toxic effects of the use is avoided and, where the naturally occurring phylloquinone instead. For human consumption is prohibited menadione, as pet food but it is still allowed. Contrary to previous assumptions, and in contrast to the naturally occurring K vitamins is vitamin K3 showed in animals (calves, fed with coumarin -containing clover ) to be completely ineffective with respect to the restoration of the blood clotting ability.