Sodium Dithionite → 2,3-Dimethoxybenzene-1,4-diol

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Reaction Steps

Sodium hydrosulphite (Na2S2O4, 26 g) was added portionwise to a stirred solution of 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (J. Med. Chem., 1971, 14, 45; 5 g) in a mixture of methanol (50 ml) and water (100 ml). The resultant mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was dried (MgSO4) and evaporated to give 2,3-dimethoxyhydroquinone (2 g); NMR Spectrum: (CD3SOCD3) 3.71 (s, 6H), 6.37 (s, 2H), 8.47 (s, 2H).

Provenance & Evidence