Synthesis of (+)2,3-PinDione, a versatile chiral 1,2-diketone

The preparation of a 1,2-diketone derived from (−)-β-pinene, i.e. (+)-2,3-PinDione, is reported. The latter is shown to be a useful substrate for the Hinzberg-type syntheses of chiral quinoxaline ((−)-6,7-dimethyl-PinQuinox) and pyrazine ((+)-2,3-diphenylPinazine) derivatives as well in the preparation of the bis-hydrazone ((+)-N′,N′-diphenyl-2,3-Pinazone).