Carbon–carbon cleavage of aryl diamines and quinone formation using sodium periodate: a novel application

A first novel synthetic utility of sodium periodate for aryl diamine carbon–carbon cleavage is described. Aryl 1,2-diamine compounds were successfully converted into corresponding nitriles, while the developed method is also useful for the preparation of quinones from corresponding aryl 1,4-diamine compounds. The advantages of this protocol are shorter reaction time and mild reaction conditions to obtain moderate to good yields.