Novel and convenient synthesis of 5-benzoyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and its derivatives.

A novel and convenient method for the preparation of 5-benzoyl-1,4-naphthoquinone is reported for the first time. The process starts with condensation of malonic acid, followed by Diers-Alder cyclization, methylation, aromatization, hydrolysis, Friedel-Crafts acylation, and oxidation. The new synthesis procedure with high yields does not require special conditions and column chromatographic purification. The method involves readily available reagents and has been demonstrated to be suitable for large-scale preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]