Catalytic rearrangement reaction of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohols with o-alkynylnaphthols for synthesis of naphthopyrans†

Abstract

Herein, a Brønsted acid-catalyzed rearrangement reaction of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohols with o-alkynylnaphthols has been established, thus affording a series of structurally diverse naphthopyrans in moderate to good yields. This study represents the first catalytic rearrangement reaction of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohols and provides a novel strategy for the synthesis of naphthopyrans under mild conditions.