Synthetic Studies on Coenzyme Q10. Part 2

An improved route to coenzyme Q₁₀ ( 1 ) starting from commercially available coenzyme Q₁ is described. The key steps in this synthesis are the SeO₂‐mediated oxidation of the protected isoprenylhydroquinone 3 into the (E)‐allyl alcohol 5 without the formation of undesired stereoisomer and the one‐pot reductive elimination of the phenylsulfonyl and dibenzyl groups in 7 by using naphthalenyllithium.