Reactions of sesquixanthene and related compounds.

Abstract

Three different methods to protect the central carbon of sesquixanthene, which is a triphenylmethane dye, were tried. The three methods involved 1) the introduction of benzyl group using benzyl chloride, 2) the introduction of carboxylic acid group using dry ice, and 3) the introduction of benzyl group using benzyl magnesium chloride. In addition to these, the reduction of the cation of sesquixanthydrol was also tried. Spectroscopic examination of the products gave evidence that one of the methods to protect the central carbon was successful. This was the method involving the introduction of benzyl group using benzyl magnesium chloride. The reduction of the cation of sesquixanthydrol using tetrafluoroboric acid by NaBH4/H20 was successful.