Synthesis of 2,5-dihydroxy-3-(indol-3-yl)benzoquinones by acid-catalyzed condensation of indoles with 2,5-dichlorobenzoquinone.
Three methods for the conjugate addition of indoles to 2,5-dichlorobenzoquinone have been developed. A wide variety of indoles substituted with halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, and aryl groups participate in anaerobic condensation reactions promoted by HCl, H2SO4, or CH3CO2H. The hydroquinone product is partially oxidized by excess dichlorobenzoquinone and fully converted to the 2,5-dichloro-3-(indol-3-yl)benzoquinone targets by DDQ or Ag2CO3 oxidation. 2,5-Dihydroxy-3-(indol-3-yl)benzoquinones can be obtained from the dichlorides by alkaline hydrolysis. The rotational characteristics of the biaryl bond created in these reactions have been examined by theoretical and spectroscopic methods.
Pirrung
Michael C
MC
Department of Chemistry, Levine Science Research Center, Box 90317, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0317, USA.
Deng
Liu
L
Li
Zhitao
Z
Park
Kaapjoo
K