The method for manufacturing an intermediate compound for shikonin synthesis of the present invention comprises the steps of: reacting 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene with
dimethyl sulfate to prepare 1,5-dimethoxynaphthalene; reacting 1,5-dimethoxynaphthalene with N-
bromosuccinimide (NBS) to prepare 1,5-dibromo -4,8-dimethoxynaphthalene; introducing a methoxy group into 1,5-dibromo-4,8-dimethoxynaphthalene using
copper iodide (CuI) and 1,10-
phenanthroline as a catalyst to prepare 1,4,5,8-tetramethoxynaphthalene; performing
formylation of 1,4,5,8-tetramethoxynaphthalene using
phosphoryl chloride (POCl3) to prepare 2-formyl-1,4,5,8-tetramethoxynaphthalene; and forming a
boron complex using pinacolborane (HBpin) and 3,3-dimethylallyl
bromide and reacting the
boron complex with 2-formyl -1,4,5,8-tetramethoxynaphthalene to prepare a prenylated shikonin intermediate. Compared to conventional synthetic methods, the method of the present invention offers milder
reaction conditions, shorter reaction time, and improved yield, thereby greatly enhancing the
economic feasibility of shikonin synthesis.