Radical Benzylation of Quinones via C–H Abstraction

Herein we report the development of radical benzylation reactions of quinones using Selectfluor and catalytic Ag(I) initiators. The reaction is believed to proceed via a C–H abstraction mechanism after Ag(I)-mediated reduction of Selectfluor. This reaction occurs under mild conditions and is effective for a variety of quinones and radical precursors bearing primary ben-zylic carbons. The use of pre-formed Ag(4–OMePy)2NO3 as a catalyst proved effective in improving reaction efficiency by reducing unwanted degradation pathways available to Selectfluor.