New syntheses of N,N′-diaryl-substituted quinone diimines: I. Synthesis of N,N′-bis(4-aminophenyl)-1,4-benzoquinone diimine

Oxidative condensation of p-phenylenediamine by the action of K2S2O8 in acetic acid afforded N,N'-bis(4-aminophenyl)-1,4-benzoquinone diimine which underwent self-condensation on heating. Acetylation of the title compound with acetic anhydride in acetic acid gave more stable diacetyl derivative.