Catalytic alkylation of 2-naphthol with C1−C3 alcohols

The vapour phase alkylation of 2-naphthol with C1−C3 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 with total selectivity of ortho-alkylation over 98%. In the cases of ethanol and n-propanol, derivatives of 2-naphthol alkylated in the 1-position were obtained with high yield and selectivity. The reactions were carried out in a continuous process at atmospheric pressure.