Catalytic, regioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylation of beta-naphthol

Abstract

A catalytic, regioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylation of beta-naphthol with allylic alcohols has been developed. This procedure allows for selective α-alkylation of β-naphthol with a p-toluenesulfonic acid catalyst. This transformation demonstrated functionalized naphthol synthesis under mild reaction conditions with high product yields – 20 examples with up to 96% yields. The synthetic utility further proved the versatility of the allyl naphthol products.