Synthesis of 6‐substituted benzo[a]pyrene‐α‐14C derivatives

Abstract 6‐Lithiobenzo[a]pyrene was carbonated to produce benzo[a]pyrene‐6‐carboxylic‐14C acid, which was in turn used in the preparation of several derivatives. Methylation to the ester was followed by LiAlH4 reduction to 6‐hydroxymethyl‐14C‐benzo[a]pyrene. An efficient oxidation using DDQ produced the corresponding aldehyde. Direct reduction of the ester using LiAlH4 and AlCl3 produced 6‐methyl‐14C‐benzo[a]‐pyrene.