Regioselective synthesis of substituted 1-methyl- and 2-methylnaphthalenes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4020(96)80832-5

Regiospecifically substituted 1-methyl- and 2-methylnaphthalenes, 5-methyl- and 6-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroanthracenes have been synthesized in good yields through 1,2-addition of the corresponding α-lithio- o- or m-xylenes onto α-oxoketene dithioacetals or their dihydro derivatives followed by cyclodehydration of the resulting carbinols in the presence of borontrifluoride etherate.