Formation of 2-arylnaphthalenes from N-tosylated phenylalanine derivatives

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)01507-X

N-Tosylated phenylalanine derivatives in benzene in the presence of sulfuric acid afforded 2-arylnaphthalene derivatives in moderate yields. The reaction might proceed via the corresponding decarbonylated N-tosylimine derivatives. Aldol type reaction of N-tosylimines followed by intramolecular Friedel-Crafts reaction and elimination of p-toluenesulfonamide gave 2- arylnaphthalenes.