Synthesis of cytotoxic maesaquinone bearing a 2,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone nucleus

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(97)10119-3

A synthesis of maesaquinone [2,5-dihydroxy-3-(Z)-10'-pentadecenyl-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone] has been achieved in nine steps starting from 1,4,5-trimethoxymethyloxy-2-methoxybenzene which can be readily obtained by successive deprotection and MOM protection of one methoxyl group of 2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone.