A NewSynthesis of 1-n-Alkyl-3,5-dimethoxybenzenes (Olivetol Dimethyl Ether and Homologs)

Abstract
An efficient method is reported for the synthesis of 1-n-alkyl-3,5-dimethoxybenzenes, usefull intermediates in the synthesis of cannabinoids, from the readily available and cheap 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid. The key step is the electron-transfer induced highly regioselective demethoxylation of 1-n-alkyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzenes.