A simple and efficient method for the preparation of 1-benzyloxy-5-hydroxynaphthalene

1,5-Dihydroxynaphthalene is a versatile pi-electron rich aromatic ring syst em which has been employed widely for the construction of mechanically-inte rlocked molecular compounds and supramolecular complexes. A much-needed pro cedure for its transformation into 1-benzyloxy-5-hydroxynaphthalene has bee n developed. It involves (i) bisacetylation of 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene, (i i) reductive removal of one of the two acetyl groups, (iii) benzylation, an d (iv) cleavage of the remaining acetyl group.