Synthesis of 1,5-Dihydroxy-9,10-Anthraquinone

The synthesis of 1,5-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone (17); (1,5-DHA) was accomplished during, attempts towards the synthesis one of its derivatives called anthralin (1,8-dihydroxy-9-anthrone) which is known as an antipsoriasis drug since 1916 [1]. This work is a new reigiospecilic preparation of 1,5-DHA based on Friedel-Crafts reaction starting from 1,4-dimethoxybenzene. This synthetic route, in addition to being successful, produced interesting by-products, in terms of biological activities. The advantage of this work over other attempts is the use of inexpensive materials and mild reaction conditions.