Abstract: a-Hydroxy naphthoate esters are shown to be capable of undergoing intramolecular alkylation at carbon as well as at both oxygen centers. Basic reaction conditions favor intramolecular oxygen alkylation of the phenol moiety in addition to intramolecular carbon alkylation leading to spirolactones. Chemistry in neutral or acidic media appears to proceed via y-oxo ketene acetal intermediates that are converted to ...
