Abstract: The invention relates to the synthetic functionalization of an anthraquinone molecule that is substituted with at least one hydroxyl or amino group. In some aspects of the invention a mixture containing said anthraquinone starting material, an aldehyde, a base, an optional solvent, and an optional catalyst is reacted with hydrogen and then with an oxidant. In other aspects of the invention the synthetic functionalization of the anthraquinone molecule takes place electrochemically rather than chemically, through the use of a divided electrolytic cell.