When researchers work with chemical reagents in laboratories, safety remains the top priority. The PubChem database, maintained by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) under the National Institutes of Health (NIH), serves as an authoritative chemical information platform providing critical safety resources for scientists worldwide. Recently, PubChem updated detailed information about 2-naphthol (chemical formula: C 10 H 8 O, Compound ID: CID 8663) to help users better understand and safely handle this compound.
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2-Naphthol represents an important organic compound classified as a naphthalene derivative. Its molecular structure features a naphthalene ring with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached at the 2-position, granting unique chemical properties with diverse applications:
- Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a key intermediate for producing dyes, pigments, antioxidants, rubber chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Notably used in manufacturing azo dyes for textiles, leather, and paper products.
- Analytical Chemistry: Functions as a reagent for detecting specific metal ions or organic compounds through color changes or precipitation reactions.
- Biomedical Research: Certain derivatives demonstrate biological activity, showing potential in drug development for antitumor, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory applications.
The PubChem database provides exhaustive information about 2-naphthol, including:
- Detailed 2D and 3D molecular structure visualizations
- Key physicochemical properties (melting/boiling points, density, solubility)
- Safety protocols (hazard statements, preventive measures, first aid)
- Toxicological profiles (acute/chronic toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity)
- Relevant scientific literature and patents
- Commercial supplier listings
While valuable for research, 2-naphthol requires strict safety precautions during handling:
- Hazards: May irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure could cause skin sensitization, with high concentrations posing serious health risks.
- Preventive Measures: Requires protective equipment (goggles, gloves, clothing), ventilation to avoid dust/vapor inhalation, and thorough post-handling decontamination.
- Emergency Procedures: Immediate flushing with water for eye/skin contact (15+ minutes), fresh air for inhalation, and medical attention for ingestion with compound documentation.
Beyond 2-naphthol, PubChem's repository of millions of chemical compounds assists researchers by:
- Enabling rapid compound information retrieval
- Facilitating hazard assessments
- Supporting experimental design
- Providing research references
The database features intuitive access through compound name, CAS number, molecular formula, or CID searches, with advanced filtering by molecular weight, elemental composition, or bioactivity.
