Hydroxyl Group-Directed, Tartaric Acid-Catalyzed Synthesis of meta-Functionalized Aryl Ethers and Phenols through Domino Conjugate Addition/Aromatization of para-Quinols

A tartaric acid-catalyzed three-component reaction of para-quinols, organoboronic acids, and alcohols is reported, leading to meta-alkenylated aryl alkyl ether in a single step. Moreover, meta-functionalized phenols could also be obtained in the absence of alcohols. Initial mechanistic studies indicated that the free hydroxy group of p-quinol plays a vital role in initiating the conjugate addition.