The preparation,spectra and tautomerism of some 4(n-arylamino)-1,2-naphthoquinones

Twelve 4(N-arylamino)-1,2-naphthoquinones (1) have been prepared by the direct addition of substituted anilines to 1,2-naphthoquinone, and their spectra have been studied. In the solid and in ethanol solution the 1,2-naphthoquinone tautomer (1a) predominates, but in trifluoroacetic acid the 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone-4-aryliminium (2a) is the major species.