Two alternative routes are described for the synthesis of 8-aryl-2-tetralones (1). Route A starts from α-tetralone 3 and involves 3 or 4 steps, with the selective Na-EtOH reduction of 1- aryl-7-methoxynaphthalenes 2 being the key step. The exclusive reduction of the A ring of naphthalenes 2 occurs when the aryl group at C-1 has no substituent at the ortho positions, affording tetrahydronaphthalenes 11. Reduction of the B ring of 2 becomes the major ...