Continuous flow technology was used to study the metal catalyzed oxidation of phenols and naphthols to para-quinones. The effect of reaction parameters, such as pressure, temperature, and concentration, on the overall yields and regioselectivity (para- vs ortho-quinone) were analyzed. In addition, the outcomes for both continuous flow and batch reactions were compared. The syntheses were carried out in N,N’-dimethylformamide, with Co(salen) acting as the metal catalyst and molecular oxygen as the oxidant. The utilization of a continuous flow setup improved student safety and allowed for increased conversions, with better control over reaction parameters and enhanced mixing of the molecular oxygen with the liquid reaction mixture.

Continuous flow synthesis of quinones

255th National Meeting (2018)

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