The first method for C-devinylation of aromatic systems

This Letter describes the method for C-devinylation of aromatic systems for the first time. Vinylbenzenes on refluxing with trifluoroacetic acid produced corresponding devinylated products in excellent yields. Furthermore, 2,4,6-trimethoxy vinylbenzenes on treatment with hexamethylene tetraamine and trifluoroacetic acid exclusively produced 1,3-diformyl 2,4,6-trimethoxy benzene via tandem devinylation and diformylation reactions. A variety of aliphatic vinyl groups can be utilized but the reaction is limited to 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene.