PURPOSE: To produce the titled compound in a very short reaction process, by hydroxylating the o-position of a dilower alkoxyl lower alkylbenzene obtained easily from a 4-lower alkylcatechol as a raw material, and oxidizing the resultant product.
CONSTITUTION: A 4-lower alkylcatechol of formula I (R1 is lower alkyl) is reacted with an alkylating agent, e.g. dimethyl sulfate, to give a dilower alkoxyl lower alkylbenzene of formula II (R1, R2 and R3 are lower alkyl), which is then hydroxylated at the o-position thereof to afford a phenolic derivative of formula III. The resultant phenolic derivative of formula III is then oxidized to give the aimed 2,3-dilower alkoxyl-5-lower alkyl-1,4-benzoquinone of formula IV.
USE: An important intermediate for medicines, agricultural chemicals, etc.
SHIODA KATSUYUKI
TANAKA KUNIHIKO
