1,2-Dimethoxy- and 1,2,3-trimethoxy-benzene units are present in a variety of organic molecules, which possess interesting chemical and biological properties. 1, 1a, 1b and 1c For example, many representative members of the naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid and flavone families contain the first unit, and some cytotoxic lignans (eg, podophyllotoxin, steganone), and alkaloids (eg, reserpine) contain the second. A comprehensive literature ...