Enolization of the benzocyclohexadienone formed during the bromination of 1-naphthol in aqueous solution
Benzo-4-bromo-2,5-cyclohexadienone (5) has been observed in the aqueous bromination of 1-naphthol and the kinetics of its enolization to 4-bromo-1-naphthol have been studied in the pH range 0–7. This process is catalyzed by the proton, hydroxide ion, water, buffer acids, and by buffer bases. For catalysis by general bases the Brønsted β = 0.59 whereas catalysis by general acids has a value of α ~ 0. These findings are very similar to those obtained previously for the 4-bromo-2,5-cyclohexadienone 2b, formed during the aqueous bromination of 2,6-dimethylphenol. The mechanistic implications of the results are discussed. The enolization of the related dienone 8, formed from bromine and 1-naphthol-2-carboxylic acid, was also studied. At acidic pHs the dienone 8 is much more reactive than 5, with the 2-COOH behaving as an internal catalyst having an "effective molarity" of about 110 M. The enolization of 8 is also catalyzed by buffer bases.