Synthesis of 2-Alkyl-1,4-naphthoquinones via an ortho-Directive Metalation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1986-31669

Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) has been shown to have a potent insect ecdysis inhibitory activity.To test the activity of synthetic analogs, the synthesis of 2-alkyl-1,4-naphthoquinones via an ortho-directive metalation using naphthol methoxymethyl ether as a directive group was carried out.This method is also applicable to the synthesis of naphthoquinones having unsaturated side-chain.