Acetylene derivatives of quinones and their transformation products: synthesis, reactivity and applied aspects

The review summarizes the data on the methods of synthesis, reactivity and practical applications of acetylene derivatives of quinones and their transformation products published for the last 15 years. The specificity of alkynylquinones associated with the activation of the triple bond by the quinoid moiety is addressed. The triple bond activation is responsible for high reactivity of these compounds, which makes it possible to design and perform complex cascade transformations, providing a rational route to multipurpose products. The general patterns and specific features of the reactivity of this class of compounds are systematically reviewed. Particular attention is given to fundamentally important redox processes and new heterocyclization reactions. The mechanisms of these transformations are considered. The prospects of the practical application of alkynylquinones and their transformation products in optics, electronics, medicinal chemistry and other areas of human activity are discussed. The bibliography includes 141 references.