Abstract
Mild and efficient procedures have been developed for synthesis of 1,8‐naphthalide and 1,8‐naphthalenedimethanol. In an ice‐water bath, 1,8‐naphthalide was prepared from 1,8‐naphthlic anhydride using LiAlH4 as reducing agent. 1,8‐Naphthalenedimethanol was obtained with good yield from reduction of 1,8‐naphthalic anhydride by LiAlH4 and Lewis acids at room temperature. The effects of various factors on the reduction of 1,8‐naphthalic anhydride with LiAlH4 were investigated.