Synthesis of 5,7-dihydroxynaphthoquinone derivatives and their reactions with nucleophiles: Nitration of 2,3-dimethylnaphthalene and subsequent transformations

Abstract

5,7-Dihydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-l,4-naphthoquinone (5) and related compounds have been synthesized. The quinone affords an accessible substrate for studying an unusual reaction with nucleophiles, which involves attack at the 8-position, i.e. at the benzenoid ring. An unsuccessful approach to (5) has led to tri- and tetra-nitro derivatives of 2,3-dimethylnaphthalene. Reduction of the former and subsequent conversions have given aminonaphthoquinone and perimidinone derivatives.