Naphthalene derivatives are of diverse importance as intermediates for agricultural, construction, pharmaceutical, photographic, rubber, tanning, and textile chemicals. Production figures, economics, and processes are discussed on most commercially important compounds. Not many processes for manufacturing naphthalene derivatives have changed in recent years, though there are a few changes in the equipment design, the material of construction and in refining techniques to meet environmental regulations. Use of high purity petroleum‐derived naphthalene has, in some cases, resulted in better purity of the derivatives and elimination of expensive prepurification steps. Phenyl‐1,4‐dihydroxy‐2‐naphthoate has an important application in photographic materials in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Much attention has been focused on the manufacture of 2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, a potential monomer in the production of polyester fibers and plastics with superior properties. Most naphthalene derivatives are intermediates and are manufactured for captive use, so that true production figures are difficult to obtain. Vol. 16, pp. 979–1017, 143 refs. to June 1994.

Naphthalenesulfonic Acids Nitronaphthalenes and Nitronaphthalenesulfonic Acids Naphthaleneamines and Naphthalenediamines Aminonaphthalenesulfonic Acids Naphthalenols and Naphthalenediols Hydroxynaphthalenesulfonic Acids Aminonaphthols and Aminonaphtholsulfonic Acids Naphthalenecarboxylic Acids Hydroxynaphthalenecarboxylic and AminonaphthalenecarboxylicAcids