Rh-Catalyzed Reactions of 1,4-Benzoquinones with Electrophiles: C-H Iodination, Bromination, and Phenylselenation

Org Lett. 2016 Sep 16;18(18):4454-7. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6b01586. Epub 2016 Sep 7.

Abstract

Under Rh-catalyzed conditions, typically electrophilic 1,4-benzoquinones exhibit nucleophilic reactivity, such that exposure to appropriate electrophiles generates products of C-H iodination, bromination, and phenylselenation. This provides a mild and general method for direct halofunctionalization, and the first method that can achieve direct C-H phenylselenation of this compound class. The scope and limitations of the new protocols are outlined, and representative derivatizations are highlighted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't