A relatively simple and efficient synthesis of the hitherto unknown 1-trifluoromethyl-2- naphthalenols is described. Easily accessible benzenoid precursors 6 and 7 were converted to the oximino-ketones 8 and 9 by nitrosation. A novel cyclization and hydrolysis afforded surprisingly stable hydroxytetralones 12 and 13 which in turn were aromatized to the naphthalenols 1 and 15.
