A short and efficient synthesis of 4-[2,2-dimethyl-4(tol-4-yl)benzochrom-3-en-7-yl]benzoic acid - a potent retinoic acid receptor antagonist

An efficient synthesis of a potent RAR antagonist is described starting from disubstituted β-naphthol. The functional groups on 2 and 3 positions of the β-naphthol 5 were elaborated into benzochromanone 8. The title compound was prepared by Suzuki coupling of the left and right hand pieces.