3,4-Dimethoxystyrene

3,4-Dimethoxystyrene (vinylveratrole) is an aromatic organic compound. It is a yellow oily liquid with a pleasant floral odor. Normally, it is supplied with 1-2% of the hydroquinone as an additive to prevent oxidation of the compound.

Occurrence

3,4-Dimethoxystyrene has been identified as a naturally occurring component in the liverwort Cyathodium foetidissimum . 3,4-Dimethoxystyrene is also found in the essential oil of Brazilian propolis, as well as cereal and coffee products.

Uses

• 3,4-Dimethoxystyrene is typically used in organic synthesis as a monomer in radical polymerization reactions due to the presence of the electron-deficient double bond. This is similar to the parent compound styrene, which can be polymerized into polystyrene.
• 3,4-dimethoxystyrene can be deprotected using Lewis acid boron tribromide with almost 100% yield. The resulting compound 3,4-dihydroxystyrene is rapidly oxidized in air, which is why 3,4-dimethoxystyrene is preferred as a stable precursor in organic synthesis.
• It is an easily polymerizable precursor to polycatechols as it is less susceptible to oxidation in air than other precursors.

Pharmacology

Pharmacokinetics

Once ingested, 3,4-Dimethoxystyrene is found in the cytoplasm, and extracellularly.

Related compounds

• 3,4-Dihydroxystyrene
• Veratrole

References