Chrysoobtusin belongs to the class of organic compounds known as hydroxyanthraquinones. Hydroxyanthraquinones are compounds containing a hydroxyanthraquinone moiety, which consists of an anthracene bearing a quinone, and hydroxyl group. Chrysoobtusin exists as a solid and is considered to be practically insoluble (in water) and relatively neutral. Within the cell, chrysoobtusin is primarily located in the cytoplasm. Outside of the human body, chrysoobtusin can be found in coffee and coffee products, herbs and spices, and pulses. This makes chrysoobtusin a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products.