The molecule is a tetrahydroxyanthraquinone that is that is 3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone substituted by methyl and carboxy groups at positions 1 and 2 respectively. It is a natural dye isolated from the insect species Kermes ilices. It has a role as an animal metabolite and a dye. It is a tetrahydroxyanthraquinone and a monocarboxylic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a kermesate.
3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxoanthracene-2-carboxylic acid