2, 3, 4-Trimethoxybenzosuberone-6-acetic acid (IV) was prepared:(a) by alkylation of methyl 2, 3, 4-trimethoxybenzosuberone-6-carboxylate (XI) and (b) by polyphosphoric acid cyclization of~-3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenylpropylsuccinic acid (X) to the enol lactone of 2, 3, 4- trimethoxybenzosuberone-6-acetic acid (XII). The Reformatsky reaction was successful with 2, 3, 4-trimethoxybenzosuberone but not with the related 6-acetic acid ester. The above ...