Alternative Synthesis of 1,2,3,4‐Tetramethoxy‐5‐methylbenzene: A Key Intermediate for Preparing Coenzyme Q Homologs and Analogs

Abstract

Preparation of 1,2,3,4‐tetramethoxy‐5‐methylbenzene (1) through a new process from pyrogallol is described. In the preparation, a modified mild brominating agent was employed, and a simple introduction of methyl group into aromatic ring through chloromethylation of the corresponding substrate (4), followed by reductive dehalogenation, was achieved successfully with good yields.

Keywords:

• CoEnzyme Q
• chloromethylation
• pyrallol chemistry