Abstract

The lack of a convenient method for the synthesis of m-alkylphenols has long been recognized by organic chemists. Within recent years the study of the physiological properties of these compounds and their derivatives, particularly the curare analogues, has caused much more concern to be placed upon a satisfactory method of synthesis. The problem of their synthesis offered an interesting study in synthetic organic chemistry. Both groupd, the alkyl group and the hydroxyl group of a meta-alkylated phenol, direct to the ortho and para positions. This makes it impossible to prepare the m-alkylphenols by the usual procedures employed in the synthesis of the ortho and para substituted phenols. With the idea that m-alkylphenols might best be prepared from the corresponding 3-alkylcyclohexen-2-one-1 and with the idea that the 3-alkylcyclohexen-2-one-1 might be made readily available from the reaction of the Grignard reagent upon cyclohexanedione-1,3 (dihydroresorcinol), work was commenced . . . It is hoped that this proposed synthesis will be at least in part, an answer tot he practical synthesis of m-alkylphenols long sought by organic chemists. It is believed that this method need only be investigated further to prove its general usefulness in preparing any meta-alkylated phenol.

Degree

College and Department

Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry

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