A Regioselective Synthesis of 6-Deoxyanthracyclinone Intermediate

A new route for synthesis of 6-deoxyanthracyclinone has been developed. Preparation of the key intermediate 2-ethylenedioxy-9-pivaloyloxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroanthracene-5,8-dione was achieved by chemoselective reduction of the adduct of naphthazarin monopivalate with 1-methoxy-3-trimethylsiloxybutadiene, and successive dehydration of the resulting alcohol.