Synthesis of 3,3-disubstituted-2,3-dihydroazanaphthoquinones via simultaneous alkyne oxidation and nitrile hydration of ortho-alkynylarenenitriles

Abstract

o-Alkynylarenenitriles when heated with Pd(OAc)₂/H₂O/(±)-CSA in DMSO undergo simultaneous alkyne oxidation and nitrile hydration to give 3-aryl-3-hydroxy-2,3-dihydroazanaphthoquinones. Upon treatment with (±)-CSA, these compounds form 3-arylazanaphthoquinones in situ, which add to electron-rich aromatics and terminal alkene/alkyne to afford 3,3-disubstituted-2,3-dihydroazanaphthoquinones.