Synthesis of Functionalized 1,4-Dihydro-9,10-anthraquinones and Anthraquinones by Ring Closing Metathesis Using Grubbs’ Catalyst

A general and straightforward synthesis of anthraquinones was developed, in which diallylation of 1,4-naphthoquinones, followed by Ring Closing Metathesis (RCM) of the resulting diallylnaphthoquinones with Grubbs’ catalyst and subsequent dehydrogenation using Pd/C afforded the desired anthraquinones with regiocontrol of substituents and in good yields.