| abstract |
A process for the preparation of 2,3,5-trimethylbenzoquinone which is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of Vitamin Ever is described. The process consists of first dehydrating 2,5,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one and then oxidizing the product obtained to the desired 2,3,5-trimethylbenzoquinone. Dehydrogenation and oxidation take place in the same organic solvent and with the same catalyst. A copper (II) halide is used as the catalyst. |