Applications of high-potential quinones. Part 12. Studies on an organic reaction cycle for the production of hydrogen from water

Abstract

Quinones and sulphur dioxide are of potential use in an organic reaction cycle for water decomposition involving (i) reduction of the quinone with aqueous sulphur dioxide and (ii) dehydrogenation of the resulting hydroquinone by catalytic or other methods. Participation of water in stage (i) has been established by deuterium labelling in inert solvents. Procedures for partial trasfer of hydrogen involving boron compounds in stage (ii) are discussed.