Synthesis of Some [1,3]Benzodioxoles via the Reaction of o-Quinones with Phosphorus Ylides

3,5-Di(tert-butyl)benzo-1,2-quinone 1c, phenanthrene-9,10-quinone 11, and 1,2-naphthoquinone 18 react with 1-phenylethylidene(tri-phenyl)phosphorane 2j, cyclopentylidene(triphenyl)phosphorane 2k, cyclohexylidene(triphenyl)phosphorane 2l, and tetrahydro-2-furanyl-methylidene(triphenyl)phosphorane 8 to give the corresponding 2-substituted [1,3]benzodioxoles 5–7, 10, 12–14, 20–22 in low to high yields, instead of Wittig products, with exception of 11,12-dihydro-10H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthro[9,10-d]furan 17. A possible explanation for these reaction sequences is discussed.