Synthesis and oxidation of ‘non-annulated’ vitamin E-like compounds

Two model compounds (3 and 4) having the typical α-tocopherol-type substitution pattern of the aromatic ring, but lacking the annulated pyran ring, have been synthesized. Upon oxidation, the two possible ortho-quinone methides (oQMs) of each are formed in equal ratio. DFT calculations suggest that there is no angular strain in 3 and 4, and each of the oQM pairs is of similar energy. These results prove that the commonly observed regioselectivity in oxidations of vitamin E-type model compounds is not an electronic substitution effect, but a consequence of annulation.