Specific para-hydroxylation of nitronaphthalenes with cumene hydroperoxide in basic aqueous media

A synthetic method for specific para-hydroxylation of nitroarenes has been developed. The reaction of nitronaphthalenes with cumeme hydroperoxide in basic aqueous media produces exclusively para-hydroxy nitronaphthalenes in good yield. The selectivity of ortho and para hydroxylation is mediated by water content. The rationale for water-controlled orientation of hydroxylation has been briefly discussed.