A FACILE 3-STEP SYNTHESIS OF (DL)-6,8 DEDIHYDROXYAGRIMONOLIDE

3-[2-(4'-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]isocoumarin2 has been prepared by the con densation of 4-methoxyphenylpropanoyl chloride with homophthalic acid. Alkaline hydrolysis of 2 yields the keto-acid 3 which is reconverted back to 2 either by treatment with acetic anhydride or with slightly a cidified methanol. The keto-acid 3 on reaction with methyl iodide or d ry methanol in the presence of a catalytic amount of sulfuric acid aff ords the methyl keto-Ester-4. (dl)-6,8-Dedihydroxyagrimonolide 6 is ob tained by reduction of 3 to the racemic hydroxyacid 5 followed by cycl odehydration using acetic anhydride.