1-(P-METHOXYPHENYL)-1-BUTEN-3-ONE

Has apparently not been reported to occur in nature.

4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-buten-2-one is used in preparation of Thiazole derivatives as protein secretion inhibitors.

From anisaldehyde and acetone by condensation using a suitable catalyst.

When the side chain of a mixed ketone contains a double bond, both the keto group and the double bond are potentially reducible in vivo. In a related material, methyl styryl ketone ( C₆ H₅ CH:CHCOCH₃ ) , the keto group appears to be more readily reduced than the double bond,with reduction via C₆ H₅ CH:CH.CH(OH)CH₃to the completely reduced carbinol compoundC₆ H₅[CH₂]₂CH(OH) CH₃, which is found as the main product (Fischer & Bielig, 1940). The ether link is relatively stable in substituted anisoles, such as anethole (p-CH₃OC ₆H₄CH:CH CH₄), containinga potential carboxyl group attached to the aromatic ring (Williams, 1959).