Efficient oxidative dimerization of 1-naphthols to 2,2′-binaphthyls with dioxygen mediated by semiconductors

A novel and efficient oxidative dimerization of 1-naphthols 1 with dioxygen in the presence of several semiconductors including SnO2, ZrO2, and activated charcoal as catalytic mediators took place selectively to give the corresponding 2,2′-binaphthols 2 or 2,2′-binaphthyl-1,1′-quinones 3 in excellent yields without light irradiation. Among these semiconductors, the catalytic activity of SnO2 could be fully restored by appropriate reactivation treatment after oxidation. The products 2 and 3 should be useful as synthetic intermediates for natural binaphthyls.