Diastereoselective Dearomatization of Resorcinols Directed by a Lactic Acid Tether: Unprecedented Enantioselective Access to p-Quinols

An operationally simple oxidative dearomatization of resorcinol derivatives is reported that employs an inexpensive chiral directing group. The method provides access to a variety of p-quinol derivatives in good yield and diastereoselectivity. A short reductive process affords 4-hydroxy-4-alkylcyclohexenone derivatives in excellent yields and enantiomeric excesses.