An expedient synthesis of 5-n-alkylresorcinols and novel 5-n-alkylresorcinol haptens.

The first synthesis of bioactive long alkyl chain 5-n-alkylresorcinols, present in whole grain products, by a novel modification of the Wittig reaction is described. All the main long chain 5-n-alkylresorcinols present in rye and wheat, including C(23) and C(25) analogues and haptens, which have not been previously prepared, were synthesised. Microwave-promoted reactions of a semi-stabilized ylid and alkanals in water gave good yields in both pressurized and open systems. An alternative microwave-promoted synthesis starting from non-stabilized alkyltriphenylphosphonium salts and 3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde worked as well. Aqueous media were suitable for the reactions even if the starting materials were not soluble in water. The 5-n-alkylresorcinols are potential biomarkers of whole grain intake, and the new hapten derivatives of 5-n-alkylresorcinols will open the way for the immunochemical detection techniques of alkylresorcinols.