The synthesis of the diiodobenzenes started with the known multiple iodination of guaiacol 1, [10] providing in moderate yield the instable intermediate 2, which did not allow further purification. The subsequent conversion with methyl bromoacetate gave 3 in 35% yield over all steps. Deprotection of the common intermediate, followed by an alkylation of both phenolic groups, provided 4 in a total yield of 27% (Scheme [1] ). The easily synthesized substrates ...
