"Target molecules containing a 1,4-cyclodhexadiene unit are probably best prepared via the Birch reaction. These primary reduction synthons can be further elaborated into a variety of synthetically useful compounds … Isomerizations of l,4-cyclohexadienes with KOt-Bu in DMSO furnish the thermodynamically more stable conjugated 1,3-cyclohexadienes. … Hydrolysis of the initial enol ether (vinyl ether) formed from Birch reduction of anisole or substituted anisoles under mild acidic con- ditions leads to β,γ-unsaturated cyclohexenones. Under more drastic acidic condi- tions, these isomerize to the conjugated α,β-cyclohexenones. Birch reduction of anisoles followed by hydrolytic workup is one of the best methods available for preparing substituted cyclohexenone. It should be noted that Birch reduction of 4-substituted anisoles followed by acidic workup (aq HCl, THF) produces mixtures of isomeric cyclohexenones. … Selective cleavage of the more nucleophilic double bond of anisole-derived 1,4-cyclohexadienes by ozone provides highly function- alized acyclic compounds containing a stereodefined double bond. … Birch reduction-alkylation of benzoic acids and esters establishes quaternary carbon centers. Neighboring stereocenters will influence the stereochemical outcome of the tandem reaction sequence."