Efficient and mild synthesis of ortho-hydroxyaryl ketones catalyzed by zinc chloride under solvent-free condition and microwave irradiation

Preparation of ortho-hydroxyaryl ketones was regioselectively carried out from phenol and naphthol derivatives, in reaction with various organic acids by using a ZnCl2 as catalyst, under microwave and solvent-free mild conditions. In this reaction, the products were obtained in very high yields and very short reaction times.