(E)-5-(2,5-dimethoxy-3,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-2-pentenyl benzoate → (E)-3-methyl-5-(2,4,5-trimethyl-3,6-dioxo-1,4-cyclohexadien-1-yl)-2-pentenyl benzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of ceric ammonium nitrate (7.2 g; 13.1 mmol) in water (30 ml) was added dropwise while cooling with ice to a solution of (E)-5-(2,5-dimethoxy-3,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-2-pentenyl benzoate (2 g; 5.2 mmol) in acetonitrile (30 ml). After completion of the addition the mixture was diluted with water and extracted with chloroform. The extracts were washed with water, dried and freed from solvent. The residue crystallizes spontaneously and 1.35 g of (E)-3-methyl-5-(2,4,5-trimethyl-3,6-dioxo-1,4-cyclohexadien-1-yl)-2-pentenyl benzoate was obtained. M.P, 74.5°-75.5° C.

Provenance & Evidence