A protocol based on [RuIII(Me3tacn)(CF3CO2)2(H2O)]CF3CO2 (1, Me3tacn = 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) as catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant was developed for oxidation of anisoles to p-benzoquinone monoketals. This reaction can be formally considered as regioselective aromatic C-H oxidation. With 2-methoxyanisole as substrate, 3,4-dimethoxy-4-tert-butoxy-2,5-cyclohexadienone can be obtained in up to 82% yield based on 84% substrate conversion.Key words: oxidation, quinones, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, ruthenium catalyst.