Abstract Aerobic oxidation of 2-methoxy-6-(1-methylethyl) naphthalene to hydroperoxide, alcohol, and ketone, is reported. These compounds, particularly 2-acetyl-6- methoxynaphthalene, are important intermediates in naproxen synthesis. N- Hydroxyphthalimide is shown here to be an efficient catalyst for oxidation to the hydroperoxide, 2-methoxy-6-(1-hydroperoxy-1-methylethyl) naphthalene, with a yield of ...
