Improved Preparation of Nabumetone by Raney Ni Catalytic Hydrogenation

Nabumetone is efficiently and economically prepared from hydrogenation of 3-methoxycarbonyl-4-(6- methoxy-2-naphthyl) but-3-en-2-one catalyzed by Raney Ni (W-2) under 145.0 psi H2 at 45 C and subsequent acid hydrolysis in 88.1% yield and 99% purity (GC). A high vacuum distillation or rectification purification method is used to improve the whole qualification of nabumetone.