Quinones synthesis via hydrogen peroxide oxidation of dihydroxy arenes catalyzed by homogeneous and macroporous-polymer-supported ruthenium catalysts

Ruthenium(II)/dimethyl phenyloxazoline (Ru(II)/dm-Pheox) complex 2a and its macroporous-polymeric-catalyst 4 were found to be very rapid and efficient catalysts in the hydrogen peroxide oxidation of 1,2- and 1,4-dihydroxy arenes. Most of the quinone products were delivered in 99% yield. The polymeric-catalyst 4 could be reused at least five times.