A Convenient Synthesis of Monpain Trimethylether.

Abstract A high yield synthesis of various 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphtoquinones was achieved by SeO 2 oxidation of 1-tetralones into the corresponding 1,2-quinones, followed by heterogeneous phase KO 2 mediated oxidation. Application of this synthesis to 5,7,8-trimethoxy-1-tetralone gave 2-hydroxy-5,7,8-trimethoxy-1,4-naphtoquinone 3d or monpain trimethylether.