Transition metal catalyzed oxidations; 4. Improved method for the oxidation of 1- and 2-naphthols to 1,2-naphthoquinones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1990-27116

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.