2-Amino-1,4-naphthoquinone as a key precursor for naphthoquinone-fused N-heterocycles: synthetic approaches and mechanistic perspectives.

2-Amino-1,4-naphthoquinone has gained significant attention as a key precursor for constructing naphthoquinone-fused N-heterocycles, a class of compounds with broad applications in medicinal chemistry, materials science, and organic synthesis. Its unique structure, characterized by a reactive C-3 position and an amino group, facilitates a wide range of reactions and synthetic strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements (2012-2024) in utilizing 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone for the development of N-heterocyclic frameworks integrating synthetic approaches with mechanistic insights. It is organized based on the type of heterocyclic rings formed, leveraging the C,N-binucleophilic properties of 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone.