Abstract: A concise synthesis of 1-naphthols via cyclization of o-iodoacetophenones and methyl ketones has been realized under very mild conditions. The cyclization process is initiated by a rare coppercatalyzed arylation of simple methyl ketones with ortho- iodoacetophenones. Keywords: arylation; copper-catalyzed reaction; ortho- iodoacetophenones; methyl ketones; 1-naphthols
