Tetroquinone (Tetrahydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone, tetrahydroxy-p-benzoquinone, tetrahydroxybenzoquinone) is cyclohexadiene derivative with four hydroxyl groups and two ketone groups in opposite (para) positions, with potent prooxidant activity. The exposure of exponentially growing cultures to Tetroquinone, in the presence of Ca2+, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth and DNA synthesis. The chemical reactivity of Tetroquinone is strongly similar to those of physiological polyphenols, such as catechols and catecholamines. Despite their physiological and pharmacological roles, these compounds may, in addition, present toxicological properties due to their ability to autoxidize generating ROS and quinones Similar to catechols, the OH-substituents confer to Tetroquinone the ability to autoxidize readily in neutral aqueous solutions generating intermediate superoxide anion radicals, semiquinone radicals, and the corresponding quinone. The compound can be synthesized from glyoxal or from myo-inositol (phytic acid), a natural compound widely present in plants.