Direct C−H Alkylation of Naphthoquinone with Acetone and 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds via Radical Cross Dehydrogenation Coupling

Graphical Construction of C−C bonds of alkyl-substituted naphthoquinones through C−H/C−H cross dehydrogenation coupling of naphthoquinones with acetone and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds was developed. A direct C−H alkylation of naphthoquinones with acetone and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds was developed to construct C−C bonds of alkyl-substituted naphthoquinone derivatives. It proceeded through an oxidative radical cross dehydrogenation coupling process under simple and mild conditions. This method provides a facile and efficient route for synthesis of functionalized naphthoquinones from readily available feedstocks.