Prior to these studies, 3-MC derivatives were obtainable only through the Fieser synthesis 4 involving Elbs reaction in a sealed tube at ~400°C. The need for an alternative synthetic approach to 3-MC was emphasized recently by J. Org. Chem., 45 (1980), p. 4507 who cite failure of the Elbs synthesis in the case of 10- and 11-methoxy-3-MC and 11- ans 12-flouro-3-MC. ... (100 mg) dissolved in hot propionic acid, and the mixture was refluxed for 10 min. Workup is ...