The succinic acid derivative (VI) was refluxed with hydriodic acid and converted into a-(p-4- hydroxy-2: 5-dimethylphenylethyl)-rw'-methylsuccinic acid, which was not isolated in the crystalline state, but converted into the kctone (VII) of the enolic form of u-7-hydroxy-1-keto-5: 8-dimethyl-1: 2: 3: 4-tetrahydronaphthyl-2-propwnic mid by the action of warm concentrated sulphuric acid. This lactone (VII) was not reduced by palladium and hydrogen in acetic ...
