CYCLIZATION OF (E) AND -4-METHYL-4-(3'-CHLORO-6'-METHYLPHENYL)BUT-3-ENOIC ACIDS AND SYNTHESIS OF POLYSUBSTITUTED NAPHTHOIC ACIDS

Condensation of 5-chloro-2-methylacetophenone with diethyl succinate i n the presence of potassium t-butoxide gives a mixture of (Z)- and nyl -4-methyl(3'-chloro-6'-methylphenyl)but-3-enoic acids. Cyclisation of (Z)- and (E)-half-esters affords naphthalene derivative (2a) and oxo-i ndenyl acid (11) respectively via anhydride formation. The reaction of (E)-anhydride (4) with aromatic hydrocarbons, amines and anhyd. alumi nium chloride in acetylene tetrachloride has also been investigated. T he IR, H(1)NMR and mass spectra of the products have been discussed.