Direct Synthesis of Hydroquinones from Quinones through Sequential and Continuous‐Flow Hydrogenation‐Derivatization Using Heterogeneous Au–Pt Nanoparticles as Catalysts

Abstract

AbstractPt–Au bimetallic nanoparticle catalysts immobilized on dimethyl polysilane (Pt–Au/(DMPSi‐Al2O3)) have been developed for selective hydrogenation of quinones to hydroquinones. High reactivity, selectivity, and robustness of the catalysts were confirmed under continuous‐flow conditions. Various direct derivatizations of quinones, such as methylation, acetylation, trifluoromethanesulfonylation, methacrylation, and benzoylation were successfully performed under sequential and continuous‐flow conditions to afford the desired products in good to excellent yields. Especially, air‐sensitive hydroquinones, such as anthrahydroquinones and naphthohydroquinones, could be successfully generated and derivatized under closed sequential and continuous‐flow conditions without decomposition.