1,3-Benzodioxole-5-acetic acid methyl ester

Uses

Methyl 1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylacetate is a reagent used to prepare pharmaceutically active Benzodioxole derivatives.

Preparation

1,3-Benzodioxole-5-acetic acid methyl ester is a lignan synthesized by the condensation of podophyllotoxin with acetone in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Mode of action

1,3-Benzodioxole-5-acetic acid methyl ester is a regioselective inhibitor of 5α→5β conversion. This inhibition leads to a decrease in the production of diene metabolites that may be carcinogenic, as well as a decrease in the production of podophyllotoxin and its derivatives (podophyllum alkaloids). It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis.