Process for oxidizing 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene

Abstract

In a process for producing 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene from 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene, 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene is oxidized in the presence of a specific proportion of a basic compound to hydroxylate or hydroperoxylate 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene in a high conversion, and the resulting intermediate is then subjected to acid cleavage in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to produce 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene in a high yield. The yield of 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene increases by subjecting the reaction mixture containing the above intermediate to a purifying operation or dehydrating operation or adding acetone to it before it is submitted to the acid cleavage. 2,6-Dihydroxynaphthalene may be reacted with acetic anhydride to obtain 2,6-diacetoxynaphthalene.