Anodic Oxidation of 4-Hydroxycinnamic Acids and Related Phenols

Abstract

Anodic oxidation of 4-hydroxycinnamic acids, 4-hydroxycinnamamides and related phenols was carried out at a controlled potential, using an undivided cell, to afford the corresponding asatone-, isoasatone-, pinoresinol- or podophyllotoxin-type compounds. Furthermore, the corresponding dihydroxy compounds were also electrolyzed at a controlled potential to give different dienones depending on the side chains.