| abstract |
1,6-Dibromo-2-naphthol is efficiently hydrodebrominated to 6-bromo-2-naphthol without the generation of unacceptable amounts of non-recyclable waste and without the use of costly materials by reacting it with sulfur dioxide in the presence of a base. The reaction is suitably conducted at moderate temperatures in an inexpensive solvent, such as water or a water-alcohol mixture, and is typically completed in 1-2 hours, after which the 6-bromo-2-naphthol can be converted to derivatives if desired. |