Abstract
In continuation of the previous experiments, the oxygen bridge in 2, 3-dimethoxy-5, 4′-dimethyldiphenyl ether (IV) and 2, 3, 2′-trimethoxy-5, 4′-dimethyldiphenyl ether (V) was severed by Grignard reagent (butyl- or tert-butyl-magnesium bromide), in the presence of anhydrous cobaltous chloride. In either case, 3-hydroxy-4, 5-dimethoxy-1-methylbenzene (VI) was obtained as a phenolic substance, the yield being better from (IV) than from (V). The reason for this difference was assumed to be due to the steric hindrance of the methoxyl group substituted in (V).
