The reaction of 1, 8-dichloroanthraquinone with CsF in DMSO under anhydrous conditions affords improved yields of the corresponding difluoro derivative 2. Nucleophilic displacement reactions using simple alkoxide nucleophiles or crown ether derivatives on 2 allows the preparation of 1, 8-dialkoxyanthraquinones 5-10 in good to excellent yields. Compounds 8 and 10 exhibit enhanced sodium binding properties upon reduction to the ...