Studies on Electrochemical Synthesis of 4,5-Disubstituted-1,2- Benzoquinones and the Reaction Mechanism

The oxidation peak potentials (Ep) of alinine derivates and catechol in 0.1 mol/L KCl+15% alcohol solution were measured by cyclic voltammograms technique. The electrochemical oxidation condition was set according to the Ep. Three derivates of 4,5-disubstituted -1,2-benzoquinones were prepared via electrochemical oxidation-Michael addition reaction. The possible mechanism of electrochemical oxidation-Michael addition reaction is presented.