Safrole + KMnO4 --> 3,4-methylenedioxybenzoic acid + Cl2
--> 3-chloro-4,5-methylenedioxybenzoic acid + 1 equivalent LAH --> + PCC --> + EtNO2 --> + 1 eq. LAH --> .
. could also probably be made from methylone or piperonal in a somewhat analogous fashion.
* * *
(extraneous music lyrics)
"Don't ask why, just respect it.
The benzo, she laced it.
Interior decorated."--biggie
"Get down with me. Gone get down with me.
Gone get down wit me. Gone get down with me.
Gone make you freak. Make you freak."--Sikora