Organocatalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of dihydroarenes by dioxygen using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-benzoquinone (DDQ) and NaNO2

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules13123236

The oxidative dehydrogenation of dihydroarenes catalyzed by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-benzoquinone(DDQ) and NaNO₂ with dioxygen is reported. The combination of DDQ and NaNO₂ showed high efficiency and high selectivity, compared with other benzoquinones and anthraquinones, e.g., >99% conversion of 9,10-dihydroanthracene with 99% selectivity for anthracene can be obtained at 120 °C under 1.3 MPa O₂ for 8 h. Excellent results were achieved in the oxidative dehydrogenation of variety of dihydroarenes.