Solid state redox chemistry of hydroquinones and quinones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)80510-X

Solid state ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) oxidation of hydroquinones to the corresponding quinones, gives best results when operating with ultrasonic irradiation. Nitrogen dioxide plays a key role in these 'solid-solid' oxidations. The oxidation of hydroquinones to quinones can also be achieved in a unique 'solid-solid-solid' reaction, i.e., by using a limited amount of CAN in the presence of a full equivalent of a solid cooxidant such as KBrO₃. Reduction of quinones with sodium dithionite in the solid state gives rise to the corresponding highly colored quinhydrones and, eventually, to hydroquinones.