1-Aminoanthraquinone (1-AAQ) is synthesized by the condensation of 2-substituted benzoic acid and xylene to yield 2-substituted-dimethylbenzophenone, subsequent oxidation of the methyl groups, ring closure to form a 1-substituted anthraquinone carboxylic acid, replacement of the 1-substituent with ammonia, and decarboxylation.