The Iodination of Aromatic Compounds. II. The Iodination of Aromatic Ethers and of 2-Naphthol

Abstract

A rapid process for the iodination of aromatic ethers is described, the ether in 95 per cent. ethanol being treated with iodine and mercuric oxide at an elevated temperature. Anisole and the 2-alkoxy-naphthalenes give high yields of iodo- compounds by this process. 1-Iodo-2-naphthol is readily prepared by the action of iodine and alkali or iodine and mercuric oxide on 2-naphthol. A mechanism is suggested for the iodination of phenols and ethers in the presence of mercuric oxide.