A new synthetic route to substituted quinones by radical-mediated coupling of organotellurium compounds with quinones

Carbon-centered radicals generated from the corresponding organotellurium compounds react with a variety of quinones under photo-thermal conditions to give the monoaddition product in moderate to excellent yield. The reaction can be used for the synthesis of polyprenyl quinoid natural products and C-glycosides. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.