The Conversion of Alpha-Bromonaphthalene Into the Beta Isomer

Abstract

L. Roux found that α-bromonaphthalene was partly converted into β-bromonaphthalene by warming with aluminium chloride and carbon disulphide. Because of the interest in the β-derivatives for the preparation of naphthalene-2-acetic acid, one of the synthetic plant hormones, this investigation was undertaken to improve, if possible, upon the yield hitherto obtained. Several metals, notably antimony, molybdenum, nickel, and tungsten, in conjunction with aluminium chloride, gave increased yields.