Convenient synthesis of 1-arylmethyl-2-naphthols

Abstract A new environmentally benign, two‐step procedure for the synthesis of 1‐arylmethyl‐2‐naphthols in good to excellent yield is reported. It involves microwave‐assisted facile formation of Mannich bases of 2‐naphthol under solvent‐free conditions and subsequent Pd‐catalyzed deamination, leading to formation of title compounds.