Synthesis of New Avenalumic Carboxamide Derivatives in the Ferulic Series

Abstract A seven-step synthesis of (2E,4E)-5-[4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl]penta-2,4-dienoic acid from ferulic acid was developed. The use of a natural by-product found in rice bran as a raw material provided the ferulic acid vinylogous in an overall high yield. This compound will be useful for the preparation of a wide variety of avenalumic carboxamide derivatives.