3,4-Dimethoxystyrene

3,4-Dimethoxystyrene (vinylveratrole) is an aromatic organic compound. It is a yellow oily liquid with a pleasant floral odor. Normally, it is supplied with 1-2% of the hydroquinone as an additive to prevent oxidation of the compound.

Occurrence
3,4-Dimethoxystyrene is found in the essential oil of Brazilian propolis. It is also found in cereal products and coffee products.

Uses

 * 3,4-Dimethoxystyrene is typically used in organic synthesis as a monomer in radical polymerization reactions due to the presence of the electron-deficient double bond.
 * 3,4-dimethoxystyrene can be deprotected using Lewis acid boron tribromide with almost 100% yield. The resulting compound 3,4-dihydroxystyrene is rapidly oxidized in air this is why 3,4-dimethoxystyrene is preferred as a stable precursor in organic synthesis.
 * To the chemical community, it presents interest as an easily polymerizable precursor to polycatechols as it is less susceptible to oxidation in air.

Pharmacokinetics
Once ingested, 3,4-Dimethoxystyrene is found in the cytoplasm, and extracellularly.

Related compounds

 * 3,4-Dihydroxystyrene
 * Veratrole