Spectroscopic studies reduction, disproportionation

Reactions of /)-benzoquinone and its derivatives with alkoxide ions (RO R = H, Me, Et, i-Pr, PhCH2) in MeCN also result in formation of the corresponding semiquinone radical anions accompanied by the formation of RO-substituted p-benzoquinones, which are the oxidized products of p-benzoquinones [360], Detailed product and kinetic analyses of the reactions indicate that RO-adduct anion of /)-benzoquinone is an actual electron donor and that RO is acting as a very strong base or nucleophile rather than a one-electron reductant in an aprotic solvent, such as MeCN [360], Similarly, the reaction of C o with methoxide anion (MeO ) in benzonitrile (PhCN) results in the disproportionation of Cgo to yield both C(,o and the methoxy adduct [360]. Spectroscopic and kinetic studies also indicate that a methoxy adduct anion of Ceo is a real electron donor and that MeO is acting as a very strong base or nucleophile rather than an electron donor in PhCN [360],... 

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