Synthesis of 5-hydroxy-4-methoxytricyclo[7.3.1.02,7]trideca-2,4,6-trien- 8-one – precursor of putative bioisosteric colchicine analogues

Hydroxy-4-methoxytricyclo[7.3.1.0^2,7]trideca-2,4,6-trien-8-one was synthesized from 1-benzyloxy-4-bromo-2-methoxybenzene in six steps comprising Corey–Chaykovsky epoxidation and Friedel–Crafts intramolecular cyclization. The crystal structure of the benzyl-protected derivative of the target compound was determined by X-ray analysis.