γ-Radiolysis of some 1,4-quinones in benzene

Abstract

The γ-radiolysis of several 1,4-quinones in benzene solution has been studied.  1,4-Benzoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, and 2-phenylnaphthoquinone undergo nuclear phenylation in deaerated solution. In aerated solution 1,4-benzoquinone is exceptional in being converted into 4-hydroxydiphenyl ether (13). Possible mechanisms for the formation of the radiolysis products are discussed.