Hydrogen atom transfer from alkanes and aromatic proton complexes to aromatic cations and quinones

Abstract
In strongly acidic media alkanes react as hydrogen donating agents towards the positive radical ions of anthracene, perylene and tetracene. The aromatic radical ions appear to be converted into their related proton complexes. These proton complexes reduce quinones to hydroquinones. Qualitative data on the latter reaction are discussed in relation to its mechanism. A direct reduction of quinones by alkanes has not been observed.