Formation of 5-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and 8-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-1,2-naphthoquinone from Juglone

From the treatment of 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (juglone) with acetic anhydride and H2SO4 followed subsequently by treatment with methanolic HCl, 5-hydroxy-3-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (3-methoxy juglone) and 8-hydroxy-4-methoxy-1,2-naphthoquinone were obtained as products rather than the anticipated product 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (2-hydroxy juglone). The reaction and the identification of the products are discussed in terms of NMR and DFT calculations.