Sulfate Radical Anion as a Bifunctional Reagent: Dual-Site Activation Enables Direct Dearomatization of Nonactivated Arenes to p -Quinols

Oxidative dearomatization (ODA) of arenes represents a powerful strategy for constructing highly functionalized p-quinol frameworks. However, conventional methods are limited to preactivated phenols. Herein, we report a sulfate radical anion (SO4•–)-enabled intermolecular ODA of simple arenes to p-quinols under mild conditions. Mechanistic studies suggest a dual-site activation mode, with SO4•– functioning as both radical oxidant and nucleophile. This work overcomes a key limitation of conventional ODA by extending it directly to nonactivated arenes.