A para- to meta-isomerization of phenols

Phenols and their derivatives are ubiquitous in nature and critically important industrial chemicals. Their properties are intimately linked to the relative substitution pattern of the aromatic ring, reflecting well-known electronic effects of the OH group. Because of these ortho-, para-directing effects, meta-substituted phenols have historically been more difficult to synthesize. Here we describe a procedure to transpose phenols that hinges on a regioselective diazotization of the corresponding ortho-quinone. The procedure affords the meta-substituted phenol directly from its more common and accessible para-substituted isomer, and demonstrates good chemoselectivity that enables its application in late-stage settings. By changing the electronic effect of the OH group and its trajectory of hydrogen bonding, our transposition can be used to diversify natural products and existing chemical libraries, and potentially shorten the length and cost of producing underrepresented arene isomers.