Abstract The α-and ß-naphthols 7a–7d, 8a and 8b are converted into the corresponding α- ketols 9a–9c, 10a, 10b and 10d with concomitant dearomatization of ring A and partial shift of the alkyl group by reaction with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of Ti (OiPr) 4, Zr (acac) 2 or [MoO (O 2) 2] py HMPT.