An Unexpected Aromatization Reaction During the Preparation of 1,2-Cyclohexanedione Ethers

In a heretofore-unreported reaction, 1,2-cyclohexandione reacts with a variety of alcohols under mild acid-catalyzed dehydration conditions to afford not only ethers of 1,2-cyclohexanedione but the corresponding aryl ethers as well in moderate to good yield.