Abstract: | A simple method to synthesize hydroxysubstituted naphthacenequinones is described. Phthalide anion adds to negatively substituted quinones, e.g. ethyl-8-methoxy-naphthatquinone-2-carboxylate. Acid catalysed cyclisation of this adduct under simultaneous decarboxylation yields a substituted naphthacene quinone. |