Synthesis of 6-Heterocyclically Appended Tri- O-methyl Protected 6-Desmethyl Emodin Derivatives

A convenient synthesis of several 6-heterocyclically appended tri-O-methyl 6-desmethyl emodin derivatives including the tetrazolyl, oxazolyl, oxazolinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, and benzothiazolyl derivatives of potential biological and medicinal interest was achieved starting from the tri-O-methyl protected emodin aldehyde or nitrile. In addition, these derivatives could serve as synthons for heterocyclic hypericin derivatives.