| abstract |
The present invention relates to a redox process particularly but not exclusively for producing menadione, which uses Keggin-type heteropolycompounds as oxidizing agents. These compounds are polyoxometalates containing phosphorus, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium and oxygen, which by virtue of their chemical properties can be used as oxidizers in many redox processes. This redox process can be applied advantageously to products obtained by virtue of a new process of alkylation of 1-naphthol with alcohols. In a particularly preferred case of combination between the alkylation process and the redox process, the 1-naphthol is alkylated with methanol to 2-methyl-l-naphthol, which is then oxidized to menadione. |