Transition metal-free direct C-H functionalization of quinones and naphthoquinones with diaryliodonium salts: synthesis of aryl naphthoquinones as β-secretase inhibitors.

A novel ligand-free, transition metal-free direct C-H functionalization of quinones with diaryliodonium salts has been developed for the first time. The transformation was promoted only through the use of a base and gave aryl quinone derivatives in moderate to good yields. This methodology provided an effective and easy way to synthesize β-secretase inhibitors. The radical trapping experiments showed that this progress was the radical mechanism.