2′,5′-Dimethoxypropiophenone is a propionyl compound that has been shown to have anti-aging properties. It can be used as a catalyst for the production of 2,5-dimethoxyphenol from propiophenone. 2′,5′-Dimethoxypropiophenone has been shown to synergistically react with chloride and trifluoroacetic acid to produce deformation products. This reaction takes place in a liquid phase at room temperature and requires no solvent or additional reagents. The reaction time required for this process is also short, lasting less than 10 minutes. After the reaction, the product can be desorbed by heating it in vacuum at 120°C for 30 minutes.