Convenient synthesis of 3-acyl- and 3-alkyl-1,2-naphthoquinones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.63.623

3-Acyl-1,2-naphthalenediols prepared by the photoinduced addition reaction of 1,2-naphthoquinone with alkanals were oxidized with Fremy's salt to give 3-acyl-1,2-naphthoquinones in good yields. The diols were reduced with amalgamated zinc, followed by oxidation to afford 3-alkyl-1,2-naphthoquinones in moderate yields.