A novel synthesis of isoeugenol, [ring-(U)-(14)C].

A novel method for the preparation of isoeugenol, [ring-(U)-(14)C] is presented. Phenols and phenyl esters substituted in the para position with 1-hydroxyethyl or 1-hydroxypropyl acetate esters when treated with 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene in dimethylformamide (DMF) eliminate the alkyl carboxylate function to give the unsaturated compound. The reaction fails with unsubstituted or ether substituted phenyl 1-hydroxyacetate esters.