Oxidation of alkoxyphenols. Part IX. A dipheno-2,2′-quinone from 2,2′-dihydroxy-5,5′-dimethoxy-4,4′-di-t-butylbiphenyl

Abstract

Oxidation by alkaline ferricyanide converts 2,2′-dihydroxy-5,5′-dimethoxy-4,4′-di-t-butylbiphenyl into an unstable dipheno-2,2′-quinone which decomposes in solution to a dibenzofuranquinone and a hydroxyphenyl-quinone. The latter is the only product on oxidation by ferric chloride. Oxidation by ceric sulphate or lead tetra-acetate results in demethylation and gives diquinone.