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A Novel Process for Selective Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Naphthalenes and Phenols
Author(s) -
Wienhöfer Gerrit,
Schröder Kristin,
Möller Konstanze,
Junge Kathrin,
Beller Matthias
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
advanced synthesis and catalysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.541
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1615-4169
pISSN - 1615-4150
DOI - 10.1002/adsc.201000137
Subject(s) - chemistry , ruthenium , menadione , catalysis , yield (engineering) , hydrogen peroxide , phenols , alkylation , organic chemistry , medicinal chemistry , materials science , metallurgy , enzyme
Arenes are selectively oxidized to the corresponding quinones employing ruthenium(2,2′,6′:2′′‐terpyridine)(2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylate) [Ru(tpy)(pydic] as catalyst and hydrogen peroxide as the terminal oxidant. Applying alkylated naphthalenes and phenols, benzo‐ and naphthoquinones are obtained in up to 93% yield. The industrially interesting oxidation of 2‐methylnaphthalene gave 74% of the corresponding quinones and 60% of menadione (vitamin K 3 ). 2,3,5‐Trimethylbenzoquinone which constitutes the key intermediate for vitamin E is obtained in 83% yield.