The synthesis of Irisquinone

Abstract Irisquinone 1 has been synthesized for the first time to investigate its use as a potential radiosensitizer. The key step in its synthesis involves the regioselective lithiation of a phenol ether. The cis-double bond has been confirmed via 1 H NMR spectroscopy. Its saturated side chain derivative 2 and its dihydro derivative 5 have also been prepared.