A novel and convenient process for the selective oxidation of naphthalenes with hydrogen peroxide

A practical ruthenium phase-transfer catalyst (Ru-PTC) system for the oxidation of naphthalene derivatives has been developed. Substituted 1,4-quinones are obtained in good selectivity and yield in water without the addition of any organic solvent and acid. By applying the optimized conditions the feed additive menadione (vitamin K,) is obtained from 2-methyinaphthalene with 64 % yield and 73 % selectivity.