Facile preparation of bicyclo[2.2.2]octenone derivatives via Diels–Alder cycloadditions of in situ-generated masked o-benzoquinones

Diels–Alder cycloadditions of in situ-generated, substituted 2,2-dimethoxycyclohexa-3,5-dienones with olefinic dienophiles resulted in the development of an efficient method for the preparation of highly functionalized bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-2-ones with good to excellent yields.