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.
3,4-Dimethoxystyrene is found in the essential oil of Brazilian propolis.
Uses
3,4-Dimethoxystyrene is typically used in organic synthesis as a monomer in radical polymerization reactions due to the presence of the electron-defficient 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.
