Patent attributes
A process for manufacturing a hydroxylated isoflavone of the formula (I) given in the description comprises re-acting an appropriately substituted 2-hydroxydeoxybenzoin of the formula (II), also given in the description, with a formic acid anhydride of the formula HCOOCOR3, wherein R3 signifies C2-20-alkyl or various other groups as given in the description, in presence of a base or in a solvent which acts as a base, and if necessary promoting the ensuing hydrolysis of the so-produced acylated form of the hydroxylated isoflavone of the formula I by acidification. Of particular interest as products of this process are the 5,7dihydroxyisoflavones, e.g. genistein (5,7,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone). Isoflavones display many useful biochemical effects.
