Abstract: The cyclic ketone, 6, 7-dimethoxy-2-tetralone, a versatile starting material for many dopaminergic compounds, can be prepared practically, cost-effectively and in good overall yield. The synthesis starts from readily available 3, 4-dimethoxyphenylacetic acid. Ring iodination gave the 2-iodo-4, 5-dimethoxy acid, which was converted to its methyl ester. Palladium (II)-catalyzed Heck cross coupling afforded the expected unsaturated diester, ...
