The reaction of 2-(trimethylsilyl) phenyl triflate with aroylacetones in the presence of CsF gave the corresponding 4-aryl-2-naphthols. Substituted triflates also reacted with aroylacetones to afford 4-aryl-2-naphthols regioselectively. The enantioselective oxidation of 4aryl-2-naphthols with a chiral tridentate oxovanadium(IV) complex furnished the corresponding 4,4'-biaryl-1,1'-binaphthols in good yields.
Tandem carbon–carbon bond insertion and intramolecular aldol reaction of benzyne with aroylacetones: novel formation of 4,4′-disubstituted 1,1′-binaphthols
An efficient route to 4-aryl-2-naphthols from arynes and aroylacetones was developed by carbon-carbon bond insertion followed by an intramolecular aldol reaction and dehydration. Benzyne derived from 2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl triflate reacted with benzoylacetones in refluxing acetonitrile to give 4-aryl-2-naphthols and 3-aryl-1-naphthols.