An Organometallic Route to 2′-Hydroxy-6′-methoxy-acetophenone

Abstract

2′-Hydroxy-6′-methoxyacetophenone was obtained in 66% yield from 3-methoxyphenol. In the key step, 3-methoxyphenol protected by means of ethylvinyl ether was selectively metallated at the 2-position with butyllithium. Addition of ZnCl₂ to the aryllithium gave the corresponding organozinc compound, which readily reacted on acetyl chloride under palladium catalysis.