We describe the first studies on the chemistry of 2-(2-oxo-3-phenylpropyl) benzaldehydes, which were converted into 3-benzylisochromen-1-ones via the corresponding 2-(2-oxo-3- phenylpropyl) benzoic acid. The 2-(2-oxo-3-phenylpropyl) benzaldehydes proved to be convenient starting materials for the synthesis of 3-phenyl-2-naphthols. Oxidation of the latter compounds resulted in a novel, efficient synthesis of 3-phenyl-1, 2-naphthoquinones ...
