2naphthol

2-Naphthol, or naphthalen-2-ol, is an aromatic phenol in which a hydroxyl group is attached to the second carbon of the naphthalene ring system (chemical formula C10H8O). It is a crystalline solid with limited water solubility and good solubility in many organic solvents such as alcohols and ethers.

Industrially, 2-naphthol is produced by sulfonation of naphthalene to form 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, followed by hydrolysis and desulfonation to yield the phenol. This route is used to obtain the two isomeric naphthols, with the sulfonation step controlling the product distribution.

2-Naphthol is primarily used as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes, especially azo dyes, where it serves as a coupling component. It also functions as a building block in organic synthesis for various aromatic compounds and related materials.

Chemically, 2-naphthol behaves as a weak acid and forms the 2-naphthoxide salt in basic media, which can act as a nucleophile for alkylation and acylation. It undergoes characteristic electrophilic aromatic substitutions and can be oxidized to 2-naphthoquinone derivatives under appropriate conditions.

Safety and handling notes: 2-naphthol is hazardous and may be irritating to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. It should be handled with appropriate protective equipment and in a well-ventilated area, with proper disposal procedures for hazardous chemicals.