Reduction of 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-quinols with NaBH4 results unexpectedly in the regio- and stereoselective formation of the corresponding dihydro-p-quinols. The novelreduction occurs via a quinoxyborohydride anion intermediate, which regulates the stereochemistry of the 4- and 6-positions in the products. Aromatization of the products is blocked by the t-butyl groups.
Compounds in which 2,6-di(t-butyl)phenol is substituted in the 4 position by an optionally substituted phenyl group having valuable pharmacological activity as anti-inflammatory agents.