developed a simple method for the direct synthesis of 2,2′-binaphthoquinones, utilizing oxidative dimerization via electron donor–acceptor complex formation of 1-naphthols with SnCl4 in the presence of dioxygen. This oxidation involves a catalytic cycle of SnCl4, and the reaction mechanism is discussed. As an application of this method to natural products synthesis, we describe facile biomimetic syntheses