Chiral Iminium Salt-Catalyzed Asymmetric Oxidative Dearomatization of Naphthols into <i>ortho</i> -Quinols

Controlling the chemo-, regio-, and enantioselectivities of the asymmetric oxidative dearomatization of naphthols continues to pose a significant challenge in organic synthesis. Herein, we report an enantioselective oxidative dearomatization of both 1- and 2-naphthols utilizing a chiral iminium salt catalyst. This reaction employs inexpensive and stable sodium percarbonate (Na₂CO₃·1.5H₂O₂) as the oxidant. Moreover, the highly oxygenated epoxy <i>ortho</i>-quinols are synthesized by simply adjusting the dosage of sodium percarbonate and varying the reaction temperature.