A novel and environmentally benign selective route for Vitamin K3 synthesis Original Research Article

The oxidation of 2-methylnaphthalene was carried out in acetic acid with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. 2-Methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone was obtained in a selectivity of nearly ≥90% at 100 °C for 3 h. The reaction has been studied by varying different parameters like concentration of hydrogen peroxide, strength of acetic acid, molar ratio of 2-methylnaphthalene to hydrogen peroxide, reaction temperature and time. Compared to the conventional preparation of Vitamin K3, this method could be economical and ecofriendly as the use of mineral acid and chromium salts are avoided.