Electrochemical methoxylation of 1,2,3-trisubstituted azulenes

1,2,3-Trisubstituted azulene analogs 6a and 6b easily underwent methoxylati on in position 4 or 6 of an azulene ring via an electrochemical oxidation. It is a simple, convenient and selective method for introducing a methoxy g roup into a 7-membered ring of azulene analogs when compared with tradition al chemical methods. It could be useful in preparing 2,4- and 2,6-azuloquin one analogs.