Selective oxidation of 8,8'-hydroxylated binaphthols to bis-spironaphthalenones or binaphtho-para- and binaphtho-ortho-quinones.

The selective oxidation of a series of functionalized 8,8'-hydroxylated binaphthols to binaphtho-para- and binaphtho-ortho-quinones has been realized using either a Co-salen catalyst or ortho-iodoxybenzoic acid. A unique spirocyclic bis-spironaphthalenone was also obtained in good yield via a phenyliodonium diacetate promoted oxidative dearomatization.