Concise semisynthesis of novel phenazine-vitamin E hybrids via regioselective tocopheryl ortho-quinone formation

Abstract A regioselective method for the semisynthesis of phenazine derivatives has been disclosed through an efficient IBX mediated ortho -quinone formation from vitamin E derivatives. High chemo- and regio-selectivity was observed during the oxidation step and the corresponding 5,6- ortho -quinones could react with various phenylenediamines. Thus, this methodology proves its interest as a concise semisynthetic pathway to phenazine-vitamin E hybrids with moderate to good yields.