For the synthesis of 1,2,5,6-anthracenetetrone 3a, oxidation of 2,6-dihydroxyanthracene 2a (Scheme 2, top) using benzeneseleninic acid anyhydride was reported to be superior to other reactions. Fortunately, the required precursor 2a can be efficiently prepared from 2,6dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone 1a. Screening the literature for reliable protocols to minimize the work load and maximize the yields, we discovered a protocol reported by Guo et al. Following this protocol, we immediately achieved 86% yield (just 2% less than reported).