Nature‐Inspired Functional Chromophores from Biomimetic <i>o</i> ‐Quinone Chemistry

A concise highlight of the main types chromophoric systems obtained in authors’ and other laboratories through biomimetic chemistry or synthetic manipulation nature-inspired o-quinones is primary focus this Minireview. Following oxidative conversion a variety natural catechol substrates like DOPA, dopamine, 5-S-cysteinyldopa caffeic acid, presence suitable additives, remarkable can be produced, which display specific optical electronic properties, e. g. acidichromism, solvatochromism strong emission upon excitation. Such properties tailored for applications rational manipulations and/or fine-tuning non-covalent supramolecular interactions. Practical access routes to reported o-quinone-derived are illustrated along with prospective applications.