Bromide-Mediated C–H Bond Functionalization: Intermolecular Annulation of Phenylethanone Derivatives with Alkynes for the Synthesis of 1-Naphthols

Bromide-mediated intermolecular annulation of phenylethanone derivatives with alkynes has been developed, which allows for the regioselective formation of polysubstituted 1-naphthols. The usage of readily available bromine catalyst, broad substrate scope, and mild conditions make this protocol very practical. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the bromination of phenylethanone derivatives occurs to yield bromo-substituted intermediates, which react in situ with alkynes to furnish the desired 1-naphthols.