Reversal of the regioselectivity in a cycloaddition of o-quinones by varying the position of alkoxy substituents

We have investigated the regioselective cycloaddition of o-quinones 1b-e with the protected sinapyl alcohol 2. It was found that the position of the alkoxy substituent on the o-quinone ring controlled the regioselectivity of the cycloaddition. In addition, our reported procedure for determining the location of the side chains on 1,4-benzodioxanes has been improved.

The cycloaddition of o-quinones with the protected sinapyl alcohol proceeded regioselectively to afford the 1,4-benzodioxanes.