NEW MATERIAL:The anthraquinone derivative of formula I (n is the number of hydrogen atoms added to the double bond of benzene ring and is 0, 2 or 4).

EXAMPLE: 1-(2-Methyl-1-propenyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1,4,4a,9a-tetrahydroanthraquinone.

USE: An anthraquinone-type catalyst for the preparation of hydrogen peroxide, a pulp digestion assistant, and an antioxidant for rubber.

PROCESS: The compound of formula II (the exemplified compound) which is one of the compounds of formula I can be prepared by the Diels-Alder reaction of 1,4-naphthoquinone of formula V with 2,6-dimethyl-2,4,6-octatriene of formula VI. If necessary, the reaction product is oxidized with molecular oxygen in the presence of a base to obtain the compound of formula III or formula IV which are also the group of the compounds of formula I .