Reactions of N-substituted 2,6(3,5)-dialkyl-1,4-benzoquinone imines with arenesulfinic acids

The regioselectivity in the reactions of N-arylsulfonyl-2,6-dialkyl-1,4-benzoquinone imines with arenesulfinic acids (1,6-, 6,1-, or 6,3-addition) is determined by steric factor, while in the reactions of N-aroyl-1,4-benzoquinone imines electronic effect of substituents in the quinoid ring is crucial. The reactions of N-arylsulfonyl-3,5-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone imines with arenesulfinic acids follow mainly the 1,4-addition pattern. N-(N-Arylsulfonylbenzimidoyl)-1,4-benzoquinone imines are capable of reacting in a way similar to both N-arylsulfonyl and N-aroyl derivatives.