Three different dimerizations of 2-bromo-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinones

J Org Chem. 2012 May 18;77(10):4812-20. doi: 10.1021/jo300696m. Epub 2012 May 2.

Abstract

Three types of dimeric naphthoquinones, which possess structurally diverse skeletons, can be prepared in one step from 2-bromo-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinones. 2,2'-Dimeric naphthoquinones were prepared by a one-pot Stille-type reaction via vinylstannanes. Oxepines are formed by unexpected domino reactions via 1,4-dihydroxynaphthalene species. Epoxides are formed by a Michael/Darzens reaction via the o-quinone methides.