Synthesis of α-methyldeoxybenzoins

Abstract

Reduction of hydroxy and/or methoxy-substituted isoflavones using LiAlH₄ in refluxing THF provides an easy access to a number of α-methyldeoxybenzoins, possible metabolites of phytoestrogens in man. The synthesis of O-demethylangolensin 2b, 6′-hydroxyangolensin 2c, angolensin 2d, 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylpropan-1-one 2e, 1-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one 2f, 4′-O-methylangolensin 2g, 1-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylpropan-1-one 2h, and 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylpropan-1-one 2i is described.