In HF-SbF5, in the presence of H2O2 (Source of OH+ equivalent) quinine la yields 10-keto derivatives 4a and 5a and cyclic ether 3 as the major product. In the same conditions 1b, 2a, and 2b give the 10-keto and 10-fluoro-3-hydroxy analogs. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.