Synthesis of 2-substituted hydroquinone derivatives from 1,4-benzoquinone and allyl ethers

B-Alkylpinacolboranes, derived from rhodium-catalyzed hydroboration of allyl ethers with pinacolborane, react with 1,4-benzoquinone under acidic, oxidizing conditions, to afford, after subsequent hydrogenation, 2-substituted hydroquinones in isolated, purified yields of about 50% based on 1,4-benzoquinone. The product hydroquinones have potential use as precursors to poly(arylene ether) and related aromatic polymers.