This letter describes a convenient synthesis of the six isomeric tri- and tetramethylbenzaldehydes,
which are not readily available from major chemical suppliers. Formylation of readily
available phenols via electrophilic aromatic substitution provides compounds containing
the correct aromatic substitution pattern. Suzuki cross-coupling of the corresponding
trifluoromethanesulfonates with methylboronic acid then provides the benzaldehydes
as single isomers.
Key words
aldehydes - palladium - Suzuki - aromatic compounds - formylation