Regioselective halogenation of biphenyls for preparation of valuable polyhydroxylated biphenyls and diquinones

Electron-rich biphenyls were selectively oxyfunctionalised through a halogenation–methoxylation sequence. The obtained biphenyl methyl ethers were then oxidised to the corresponding quinones. This strategy transforms commercially available biphenyls into both natural and bioactive oxidised compounds.