[Synthesis of substituted benzoylacrylic acids as potential antagonists of phospholipase A2].

Long chain alkylbenzenes were acylated with maleic anhydride and substituted maleic anhydrides. The resulting benzoyl acrylic acids were tested on phospholipase A2. The isomeric ratio (Z/E) of the benzoyl acrylic acids was estimated by NMR spectroscopy. A few acrylic acids cyclized to hydroxybutenolids.