CATALYTIC ALKYLATION OF 2-NAPHTHOL WITH C-1-C-3 ALCOHOLS

The vapour phase alkylation of 2-naphthol with C-1-C-3 alcohols in the presence of an iron catalyst that contains Cr-, Si- and K-oxides was investigated. 2-Naphthol was methylated in a temperature range 520-645 K giving first 1-methyl-2-naphthol and then 1,3-dimethyl-2-naphthol w ith total selectivity of ortho-alkylation over 98%. In the cases of et hanol and n-propanol, derivatives of 2-naphthol alkylated in the 1-pos ition were obtained with high yield and selectivity. The reactions wer e carried out in a continuous process at atmospheric pressure.