Synthetic transformations of higher terpenoids: XVIII. Synthesis of optically active 9,10-anthraquinone derivatives

Retro-Diels-Alder decomposition of dodecahydro-endo-4b,12-ethenochrysene-1,4-diones obtained from a tricyclic diterpenoid, levopimaric acid, gave optically active 5-2-(6-vinyl-2,6-dimethyl-2-carboxycyclohexyl) ethyl]-7-isopropyl-1,4-naphthoquinones which reacted with silyloxybutadienes to produce the corresponding 6- and 7-hydroxyanthraquinones, 5-furyl-7-hydroxytetrahydroanthraquinones, or 5-furyl-7-oxohexahydroanthraquinones. Condensation of the naphthoquinone derivatives with 5-isopropenyl-2,3-dihydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide resulted in the formation of 6,11-dioxodihydro- and 6,11-dioxohexahydroanthra2,1-b]thiophene 3,3-dioxides. 6- and 7-Hydroxyanthraquinones were also obtained by reaction of dodecahydro-endo-4b,12-ethenochrysene-1,4-diones with Danishevsky diene, followed by cleavage of the polycyclic adducts. The cycloaddition of 5-2-(-2-carboxy-2,6-dimethyl-6-vinylcyclohexyl)ethyl]-7-isopropyl-1,4-naphthoquinones in the presence of Lewis acids was characterized by increased regioselectivity.