2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone


2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone is the chemical reagent with formula C6Cl22O2. This oxidant is useful for the dehydrogenation of alcohols, phenols, and steroid ketones in organic chemistry. DDQ decomposes in water, but is stable in aqueous mineral acid.

Preparation

Synthesis of DDQ involves cyanation of chloranil. Thiele and Günther first reported a 6-step preparation in 1906. The substance did not receive interest until its potential as a dehydrogenation agent was discovered. A single-step chlorination from 2,3-dicyanohydroquinone was reported in 1965.

Reactions

The reagent removes pairs of H atoms from organic molecules. The stoichiometry of its action is illustrated by the conversion of tetralin to naphthalene:
The resulting hydroquinone is poorly soluble in typical reaction solvents, which facilitates workup.
Solutions of DDQ in benzene are red, due to the formation of a charge-transfer complex.

Dehydrogenation

Aromatization

Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling

Safety

DDQ reacts with water with release of hydrogen cyanide, which is highly toxic. A low-temperature and weakly acidic environment increases the stability of DDQ.