Asymmetric reactions and the synthesis of various quinones, carried out in the presence of chiral organocatalysts and metal–ligand complexes, are reviewed here. The role of quinones as Michael donors/acceptors, Diels–Alder dienophiles and 1,3-dipolarophiles has been extensively investigated to access complex structural frameworks. Additionally, reports in the literature on the stereoselective synthesis of simple and complex quinoidal compounds with potential biological activities have also been summarized in this review.