The reactions of some 5,6-Dihalogenocyclohex-2-ene-1,4-diones (1,4-Benzoquinone dihalides) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate

Abstract

Treatment of five 1,4-benzoquinone dihalides in boron trifluoride etherate gives very high yields of isomeric dihalogenohydroquinones. With the exception of the conversion of 5,6-dichlorocyclohex-2-ene-1,4- dione into 2,3-dichlorohydroquinone, which is a true keto-enol isomerization, these products arise through elimination of hydrogen halides followed by re-addition.