FACILE SYNTHESIS OF BINOL IN THE ABSENCE OF SOLVENT

ABSTRACT

A new synthesis of BINOL is reported, which proceeds by the oxidation of 2-naphthol by iron(III) chloride when the two reagents are co-adsorbed on alumina. The method allows easy isolation of the product in high yield and in a high state of purity and does not require the use of specialized catalysts or large volumes of high-boiling organic solvents. Some derivatives of BINOL can also be prepared by this method.

Keywords:

• BINOL
• Oxidative coupling
• Alumina
• Synthesis

Acknowledgments