A Novel and Convenient Synthesis of Coenzyme Q1

Abstract

A convenient and efficient synthetic route to Coenzyme Q₁ (6) starting from 3,4,5‐trimethoxytoluene (1) is described. The key features of this synthesis include the Diels–Alder reaction of 2,3‐dimethoxy‐l,4‐benzoquinone (3) with cyclopentadiene and the introduction of a C₅ side chain to 4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐methyltricyclo6.2.1.0^2,7]undeca‐4,9‐diene‐3,6‐dione (4) under mild conditions, (6) was obtained in overall 60% yield.