Forms a dimetallated derivative with n-BuLi, which reacts with electrophiles preferentially at the ortho-carbon: J. Org. Chem., 39, 2051, 2053 (1974); e.g. with aroyl halides leads to 2-carboxybenzophenones which can be cyclized by acid to substituted anthraquinones: J. Org. Chem., 46, 1057 (1981). The Br can be displaced by malonate-type carbanions, in the presence of Cu catalysts: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 13, 340 (1974). For coupling with Na 2,4-pentanedionate, see: Org. Synth. Coll., 6, 36 (1988).
