The reaction of a series of 1-tetralones with thallium trinitrate supported on Montmorillonite K-10 clay led to products of ring contraction (methyl indan-1-carboxylates) and/or alpha-oxidation (2-methoxy-1-tetralones), in variable yields.
thallium trinitrate; Montmorillonite K-10; ring contraction; alpha-oxidation; indans