Bioinspired Photoredox Benzylation of Quinones

J Org Chem. 2021 Aug 6;86(15):10055-10066. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c00814. Epub 2021 Jul 15.

Abstract

3-Benzylmenadiones were obtained in good yield by using a blue-light-induced photoredox process in the presence of Fe(III), oxygen, and γ-terpinene acting as a hydrogen-atom transfer agent. This methodology is compatible with a wide variety of diversely substituted 1,4-naphthoquinones as well as various cheap, readily available benzyl bromides with excellent functional group tolerance. The benzylation mechanism was investigated and supports a three-step radical cascade with the key involvement of the photogenerated superoxide anion radical.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Ferric Compounds*
  • Hydrogen
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Quinones*

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Quinones
  • Hydrogen