Synthesis of parvistemin A via biomimetic oxidative dimerization.

The first synthesis of the naturally occurring benzoquinone dimer parvistemin A is reported. The key step is the late stage iron(III) mediated dimerization of a 1,2,4-trihydroxyarene to give the natural product in good yield, a phenol oxidative coupling that is believed to be biomimetic. The route proceeds in seven steps from an inexpensive commercially available acetophenone in 14% overall yield.