Reactions of p-benzoquinone with sulfur nucleophiles

The orientations of the reactions of p-benzocluinone with nucleophiles are discussed. The one-pot reaction of p-benzoquinone with alkanethiols gave the 2-, 2,6-, and 2,5-conjugate addition products. Novel 2,6- and 2,5-bis(alkylsulfanyl)-, 2,3,5-tris(alkylsulfanyl)-, and 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(alkylsulfanyl)-p-benzoquinones, and their corresponding hydroquinones, were obtained in good yields through a sequential addition/in situ oxidation protocol for further testing as polymerization inhibitors in rubber and petroleum products. The structures of five 2,5- and 2,6-disubstituted isomers were established by X-ray crystallography.