Rapid, Operationally Simple, and Metal-free NBS Mediated One-pot Synthesis of 1,2-Naphthoquinone from 2-Naphthol

A metal-free, one-pot synthesis of 1,2-naphthoquinone was accomplished from 2-naphthol by utilizing economically cheap NBS under open air conditions. Initial formation of 1,1-dibromonaphthalen-2-one and subsequent transformation afforded the 1,2-naphthoquinone. This oxidation was completed within 30min and had broad substrate scope. Moreover, this system tolerated heterocyclic systems and was also applicable to 1,3-dicarbonyl systems. This practical approach with short reaction times, a simple workup, and insensitivity to moisture could override the usage of expensive and hazardous oxidizing and metal reagents.