Summary: An experimentally simple and efficient synthesis of 2-alkynyl-5-methoxy-1, 4- benzoquinones is described. This involves the 1, 2-addition of lithium acetylides to 4, 5- dimethoxy-1, 2-benzoquinone to give the quinols 2a-i. Hydrolysis of these adducts with dilute acids gives the quinones in overall yields ranging from 61% to 92%.
