Application: Plasticizers, unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins, polyester polyols, dyes and pigments, halogenated anhydrides, polyetherimide resins, and isatoic anhydride.

2-Naphthol is slightly soluble in water but readily soluble in short alcohols, ethers chlorinated solvents, and caustic alkalis. It is used directly in making several dyes and are converted into numerous corresponding amines, esters, ethers and carboxylic derivatives as well as into numerous sulfo- and nitro-group substituted (mono-, di- and tri) naphthol compounds. It finds extensive applications in making dyes, pigments, fluorescent whiteners, tanning agents, antioxidants, and antiseptics.