Exploring Morita-Baylis-Hillman reactions of p-quinols.

The Morita−Baylis−Hillman reaction of p-methylquinols with activated aromatic aldehydes has been studied. Depending on the reaction conditions (solvent and additives), three different products were formed. A mono or double Morita−Baylis−Hillman adduct and a fused 1,3-dioxolane could be obtained in good chemical yields. The use of non-nucleophilic bases to promote the reaction suggested an autocatalytic mechanism.