Microwave-assisted synthesis of rufigallol and its novel room-temperature liquid crystalline derivatives

An efficient, simple, rapid and economic microwave-assisted synthesis of rufigallol, a molecule of both biological and physical interest, is reported. The acid-catalyzed self-condensation of gallic acid under microwave irradiation produces rufigallol in high yield within 90 s. Alkylation of rufigallol with branched-chain alkyl halides under microwave irradiation provides novel room-temperature discotic liquid crystals in excellent yield.