Protecting Group Free Synthesis of 6-Substituted Naphthols and Binols

A straightforward route for the preparation of 6-substituted naphthols and 6,6'-disubstituted binols (binol=2,2'-dihydroxy-1,1'-binaphthyl) is presented. The synthesis has been accomplished by a one-step procedure starting from 6-bromo derivatives via direct lithiation with n-BuLi, followed by the addition of several electrophiles.