Abstract Marschalk reaction of leucoquinizarin 2 with levulinic (oxo-ketal) aldehyde 3 gave 2- (4′-oxo-n-pentane)-quinizarin 4b, which on formylation followed by second Marschalk reaction led to (±)-4-demethoxy-7, 9-dideoxydaunomycinone 6 which is further exploited for