A highly abbreviated synthesis of dibenzo[def,p]chrysene and its 12-methoxy derivative, a key precursor for the synthesis of the proximate and ultimate carcinogens of dibenzo[def,p]chrysene

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo0303822

Dibenzo[def,p]chrysene (DBC) (1), is by far the most mutagenic and toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon identified. Its metabolic activation leads to trans-11,12-dihydroxy-11,12-dihydro-DBC (2), which is further metabolized to the ultimate metabolite, anti-trans-11,12-dihydroxy-13,14-epoxy-11,12,13,14-tetrahydro-DBC (3), that binds to DNA causing mutations and ultimately tumor induction. We report a facile route for the syntheses of DBC (1) and its 12-methoxy derivative (12-methoxy-DBC) (13), a key intermediate for the synthesis of 2 and 3, using a Suzuki cross-coupling approach.