Here is a novel route, maybee a French speaker could translate the important stuff.
Methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzyl ketones.
Hinkley, David F.; Budavari, John.
Patent FR1450200
Abstract
The title compounds are prepared and can be used as chemical intermediates. Thus, a solution of 60g 3,4-(MeO)2C6H3CHO (veratraldehyde) in 500ml C6H6 is cooled to 0°C, a mixture of 30g NaOMe and 44.1ml MeCHClCO2Me (2-Chloropropionic acid methyl ester, 17639-93-9) added in 30 min. at 2-5°C, and the mixture agitated for approximately 1 hour at approximately 20°C to give Me a-methyl-a,b-epoxy-b-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propionate (I). A concentrated solution of I in C6H6 is treated with 400ml MeOH, the mixt. heated to 75°C, 240ml 10% NaOH added in 30 min., and the mixture heated to 82°C and treated with 50ml water to give Na a-methyl-a,b-epoxy-b-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propionate (II). An aqueous solution of II is heated to 100°C for 30 min., 70ml concentrated HCl added, and the mixture heated 30 min. at 100°C to give Methyl 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl ketone, which can be used in the preparation of 3,4-(HO)2C6H3CH2CMe(NH2)CO2H. Similarly prepd. are 3,4-(HO)2C6H3CH2COMe (b0.05 165-8°), 4,3-HO(MeO)C6H3CH2COMe, and methyl piperonyl ketone.
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