Synthetic technology of anthraquinone (AQ) and its derivatives in the past ten years was reviewed. The process conditions of anthraquinone production from anthracene (AN) by oxidation and phthalic anhydride were described in detail. The mechanism of anthraquinone oxidation by anthracene oxidation was analyzed. The application of one⁃step and two⁃step synthesis of ruthenium catalyst from phthalic anhydride was introduced. Especially, the application and development of zeolites and strong acidic ionic liquids as catalysts was introduced in the anthraquinone synthesis process by one⁃step or two⁃step, and have suggestions for the development of future antimony synthesis processes.