Provided is a process for the preparation of certain 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives. The new synthetic procedure involves treating 1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane with an oxidizing agent in the presence of a transition metal catalyst to afford an oxo-substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octane species. This intermediate structure can then be further derivatized. The processes of this disclosure thus affords a novel and simplified means for the commercial production of a wide variety of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives.