One pot synthesis of 5,10-dihydrophenazine compounds and 5,10-substituted dihydrophenazines

摘要

Dihydrophenazines and bis(dihydrophenazines) are prepared in high yield under commercially viable reaction conditions by reacting a catechol with a 1,2-diaminoaryl compound, wherein either the catechol or the 1,2-diaminoaryl compound is provided in at least 50% molar stoichiometric excess. The product may be oxidized to the corresponding phenazine, but is preferably derivatized at one or both of the 5,10-positions to form a monosubstituted or disubstituted dihydrophenazine or bis(dihydrophenazine). Most preferably, 5,10-dialkyl-5,10-dihydrophenazines are prepared starting from catechol and 1,2-diaminoaryl compound in a one pot synthesis. The products are useful as dyes, and in particular as chromophores in electrochromic systems.