Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydroxy-5,6-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and its Monomethyl Ether.

Abstract

2,3-Dihydroxy- 5,6-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5,6-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (natural metabolites of Gliocladium roseum) were prepared by alkaline de-methylation of aurantiogliocladin (the corresponding dimethoxyquinone). An unambiguous synthesis of 2,3-dihydroxy- 5,6-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone from 2-hydroxy-5,6-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone is described.