The molecule is a tetrahydroxyanthraquinone that is that is 3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone substituted by two carboxy groups at positions 1 and 2 as well as a 5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-hydroxyphenyl group at position 7. A minor component of LAC dye together with laccaic acids A, C and D It has a role as an animal metabolite and a dye. It is an oxo dicarboxylic acid, a polyphenol, a tetrahydroxyanthraquinone and a primary alcohol.
3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-7-[2-hydroxy-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl]-9,10-dioxoanthracene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid