Abstract
Oxidation of 1,4-hydroquinones to 1,4-benzoquinones by mercuric oxide or mercuric trifluoroacetate in methanol has recently been described, and required reaction times of 1–12 hours.1 We now report that use of bromomercury(II) species as oxidants under alkaline conditions greatly reduces the reaction time. This oxidation system has recently been used for conversion of aromatic aldehydes into carboxylic acids.2