An efficient synthesis of 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylisobenzofuran-l(3H)-one, a metabolite of aspergillus flavus and a key intermediate in the synthesis of mycophenolic acid

Abstract

An efficient new synthesis of 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylisobenzofuran-l(3H)-one, a metabolite of aspergillus flavus and a key intermediate in the synthesis of mycophenolic acid, is reported. The new synthesis involves the preparation of l,2-dihydro-4,6-dimethoxy-3-methylbenzo-cyclobuten-l-ol and a regioselective β-scission of alkoxyl radical generated from it with lead tetraacetate as the key steps.