PURPOSE: To obtain the title compound, useful as a coenzyme Q in simple procedures, by condensing a hydroquinone derivative with a prenol in the presence of a catalyst in a specific mixed solvent, and by oxidizing the hydrocarbon solvent layer separated from the condensate.
CONSTITUTION: A compound of formula I (R2 is H or alkyl group) is condensed with a compound of formula II or III [R1 is formula V (n is an integer 0W9; A and B are H or may form a direct bond A-B] in the presence of an acid catalyst in a mixture of a hydrocarbon (H) and a hydrophilic solvent (B) which is inert to the catalyst and separates into a layer in contact with H, to obtain the compound of formula VI selectively present in H in high yield. The H layer is then separated from the B layer, and oxidized to give the compound of formula IV simply in high yield. The unreactd raw materials, selectively present in the B layer, can be recovered and reused simply and industrially advantageously.
EGUCHI ARAHIKO
KAKIZAKI FUSAYOSHI
ETOU HIROZUMI
