The synthesis of α-sorigenin dimethyl ether, 3-hydroxymethyl-1, 6, 8-trimethoxy-2-naphthoic acid γ-lactone (I), by an unequivocal route as shown in chart is described. The reactions employed for preparing the 1-oxo-3-hydroxymethyl-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-2-naphthonitrile (VII) from the ethyl 1-oxo-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-2-naphthoate II via the intermediates, III, IV, and VI, would provide a new method for protecting the keto-group towards lithium aluminum hydride reduction.
