CAS 1835-04-7: Propioveratrone

3,4-Dimethoxypropiophenone is a superacidic electrophile that is oxidized to produce oxidation products. It can be used in the manufacture of dyes and pharmaceuticals. The reaction mechanism for this compound starts with an electrophilic attack by one of the two carbonyl groups on a double bond in the propiophenone molecule. This produces an enol intermediate, which undergoes stepwise oxidation to form a carbonyl group, chloride ion, and acid catalyst. The acid catalyst can be recycled to reduce production costs. 3,4-Dimethoxypropiophenone also has stereoisomers that are chemically identical but have different three-dimensional shapes.