Investigations on the bifunctionalization of emodin at C(6) and C(7) with respect to the synthesis of a new class of fused heterocyclic hypericin derivatives were undertaken. The synthesis of such complex anthraquinone derivatives is possible by applying a Marschalk‐type reaction with emodin‐6‐carbaldehyde as the key step. The newly synthesized pyridazinone‐fused hypericin derivative possesses a satisfying bathochromically shifted absorption maximum making it a promising candidate for further investigations concerning a possible application in photodynamic therapy. Furthermore, the herein described strategy for the bifunctionalization of emodin provides a novel route for the synthesis of anthraquinone derivatives that are difficult to obtain by other methods.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)