Regiodefined synthesis of brominated hydroxyanthraquinones related to proisocrinins.

Dibromobenzoisofuranone 12, synthesized in six steps, was regiospecifically annulated with 5-substituted cyclohexenones 13/36 in the presence of LiOt-Bu to give brominated anthraquinones 14/38 in good yields. Darzens condensation of 30 was shown to give chain-elongated anthraquinone 32. Alkaline hydrolysis of 38 furnished 39 representing desulfoproisocrinin F.