Methylanhydroitaconitin was synthesized from 4-(2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl)-3-butenoic acid, which was derived from 2-methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde by heating with sodium succinate and acetic anhydride. The difference, of temperature in the latter reaction caused the formation of 1, 4-bis (2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl)-1, 3-butadiene. Methylstyrylmaleic anhydride was also prepared.
