Transition Metal Catalyzed Oxidations; 4.¹Improved Method for the Oxidation of 1- and 2-Naphthols to 1,2-Napthoquinones

Abstract

A specific oxidation of 1- and 2-naphthols to the corresponding 1,2-naphthoquinones can be achieved by slow addition of the preformed complex of the naphthols with titanium tetraisopropylate with a syringe pump to excess tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). A previously described method gave mainly coupling products from the Michael reaction.