For the new reaction sequence an efficient synthesis for 7-methyljuglone (7) had to be developed. Derivative 7 is a naturally occurring naphthoquinone (ramenta~ etone)~ and earlier syntheses gave only unsatisfactory yields. lOJ1 Reaction of benzoquinone (3) with 3- methyl-l-(tri-methylsiloxy)-l, 3-butadiene (4Yb led to 5 which was converted to 7 by acid treatment and PCC oxidation in 58% overall yield (Scheme I). Since 5 and 6 are rather ...