An improved process for the preparation of 2-methy 1-1,4-naphthoquinone

An improved process for the preparation of 2-methy 1-1 ,4-naphthoquinone which comprises, I) oxidizing cerium (III) methane sulfonate in an undivided electrochemical cell at an anode current density of 10A/dm2 using demensinally stable anode such as DSA/O2 type and stainless steel cathode at a temperature range of 40-50° C for a period of 90 to120 minutes to obtain cerium (IV) methanesulfonate. II) oxidizing 2-methylnaphthalene using cerium (IV) methanesulfonate obtained in step I as an oxidizing agent in presence of organic solvent such as 1,2-dichloroethene or 1,2-dichIoremethane at a temperature in the range of 50-90°C for a period of 1 to 1.5 hr with stirring to obtain a solution containing product 2-methyl-1,4 naphthoquinone III) recovering the product by known methods such as herein described.