Abstract

Quinones, possessing two ,-unsaturated carbonyl groups usually in a six carbon atom ring, represent a unique structural unit. Their centrality in the synthesis of such important commercial substances as dyes and pharmaceuticals has resulted in extensive study of a variety of synthons. In living matter, they are ubiquitous and vital to human metabolism. Quinones are of special interest to biochemists and to both synthetic and theoretical organic chemists. The types of reactions most often reported are nucleophilic addition, photochemistry, cycloaddition, electrophilic addition, radical alkylation, electrochemical, oxidation, and nucleophilic substitution. The synthesis of quinones is usually accomplished through oxidation of phenols or anilines. A wide variety of oxidants has been used, but quinones of higher oxidation potential are often the reagent of choice. Quinones of low molecular weight should be treated with care in their storage and handling.