The carboxylation of naphthols by Kolbe-Schmitt reaction in the homogeneous solution.

Kolbe-Schmitt type carboxylations of 1- and 2-na phthol by carbon dioxide in the homogeneous solution in aprotic solvents were found to proceed under ordinary pressure and ordinary temperature giving 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 27hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid, respectively, in extremely high selectivities and yields, . The best yield (ca.80%) for the carboxylation of 1-naphthol was obtained by the reaction of its potassium salt in nitrobenzene at 80°C under 3.9 x 1O5 Pa of carbon dioxide within 30 min.