An efficient, generally applicable one-pot method for the synthesis of 1, 4- dichlorophenazines has been established. The method is based on the use of 3, 3, 6, 6- tetrachloro-1, 2-cyclohexanedione 2 as a synthetic equivalent of 3, 6-dichloro-1, 2- benzoquinone 1. The reaction of 2 with primary 1, 2-arylidenediamines followed by treatment with pyridine provides the title compounds in nearly quantitative yields. 1, 1, 4, 4 ...
