Recent Advances in Direct Functionalization of Quinones

Developing methods for the direct functionalization of quinones for assembly of highly functionalized quinones or bioactive natural products is an essential topic in the field of direct C–H functionalization. Quinone units are key motifs in many bioactive compounds and materials, and many innovative methods have been elaborated for the generation of these units. A major part of the established synthetic strategies combines installation of substituents on hydroquinones, phenols, or phenyl ethers through different coupling reactions with oxidation to produce the desired quinones. Most of these above‐mentioned methods introduce multiple chemical steps; however, the synthesis of quinoid compounds through the direct C–H functionalization of simple quinones remains challenging. This minireview summarizes the recently developed achievements for assembly of functionalized quinones through direct functionalization of simple quinones. Our focus will be on the methods and mechanism of these reactions that have appeared in the last two decades.