Efficient synthesis of 2-alkyl-2-hydroxy-6-X-1-tetralones

Synthesis of 2-alkyl-2-hydroxy-6-X-1-tetralones by oxidation of 2-alkyl-6-X-1-tetralones with oxygen or air is described.The oxidation is performed in phase-transfer conditions (TEBA) with utilization of P(OCH 3 ) 3 .Convenient synthesis of 2-alkyl-6-X-1-tetralones via 2methoxycarbonyl-6-X-1-tetralone is also described.