Abstract: The syntheses of primin, 2-methoxy-6-pentylbenzoquinone (1), a major allergen of Primula obconica, and its watersoluble acid analog primin acid (2) are reported. The key steps were ortho-lithiation reactions of protected hydroquinones, palladium coupling (Heck) reactions, and salcomine-catalyzed oxidations of phenols to quinones. Key words: primin, quinone, ortho-lithiation, palladium coupling, salcomine
