The synthesis of isochroman-4-ols and isochroman-3-ols: models for naturally occurring benzo[g]isochromanols

The synthesis of isochromanes containing hydroxy substituents at the 4- and 3-positions has been achieved. The key step for the synthesis of the isochroman-4-ols entailed an oxidative mercury mediated ring closure of 2-(prop-1-enyl)phenylmethanol derivatives, while in the synthesis of the isochroman-3-ols the key step involved ozonolysis of 2-(prop-2-enyl)phenylmethanol derivatives.