The synthesis of the epoxide and some other possible metabolites of precocene I

The synthesis of precocene I epoxide, 3,4-epoxy-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchroman (8), is described. This compound is the highly reactive metabolite responsible for the biological effects of the precocenes. The syntheses of some other oxygenated derivatives of precocene I, which are themselves possible metabolites, are also described.