Synthesis of 1,2-Diarylanthraquinones by Site-Selective Suzuki-Miyaura Reactions of the Bis(triflate) of Alizarin.

1,2-Diarylanthraquinones were prepared by Suzuki-Miyaura reactions of the bis(triflate) of 1,2-dihydroxyanthraquin�one (alizarin). The reactions proceed with excellent site selectivity. The first attack occurs at the sterically more hindered position 1, due to electronic reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]