A highly efficient metal-free approach to: Meta - And multiple-substituted phenols via a simple oxidation of cyclohexenones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1039/c6gc02674e

A novel and efficient metal-free approach to substituted phenols has been disclosed from simple and readily available cyclohexenones and cyclohexenone equivalents. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a simple and common organic reagent, was employed as a mild oxidant in this I₂-catalysis, which significantly tolerates various substituents including some easily oxidizable or reducible functionalities. The challenging meta- and multiple-substituted phenols could be well prepared by this method. The metal-free and mild oxidation make this protocol very simple, practical, and easy to handle.