Synthesis 2022; 54(16): 3651-3657
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1737413
paper

Telescoped Continuous Flow Synthesis of 2-Substituted 1,4-Benzoquinones via Oxidative Dearomatisation of para-Substituted Phenols Using Singlet Oxygen in Supercritical CO2

Bruna L. Abreu
,
Hamza Boufroura
,
,
Martyn Poliakoff
,
Michael W. George
This research was funded by EPSRC grant (EP/P013341/1) and B.L.A. was supported by the University of Nottingham Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for Research Excellence (International).


Abstract

This paper describes a continuous multi-step synthesis in supercritical CO2. A continuous flow synthesis of 2-substituted 1,4-benzoquinones is reported, and details of the high-pressure reactors are given. This proceeds via the telescoped dearomatisation of p-substituted phenols using singlet oxygen in supercritical CO2 and an acid-mediated C–C migration. The process has a short residence time of 30 minutes, with overall yields and projected productivities of up to 83% and 9 g/day, respectively. This methodology enables a safe and efficient synthesis of 2-substituted 1,4-benzoquinones from photo-generated singlet oxygen, and cheap and readily available p-substituted phenols. The procedure has high atom efficiency, low photocatalyst loading, and substitutes potentially hazardous and corrosive reagents and solvents for molecular oxygen, CO2, and the less hazardous solid-supported acid Amberlyst-15.

Supporting Information



Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 24. Januar 2022

Angenommen nach Revision: 28. Februar 2022

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2022

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