Betanaphthol is a chemical compound with the formula C10H7OH. The word is spelled as [beɪtɑːˈnæfθɔːl] using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The initial syllable "beɪtɑː" is pronounced like the first syllable of "beta," followed by "næfθɔːl" which is pronounced like "naphthol" with an added "a" sound at the beginning. Betanaphthol is commonly used as an intermediate in the manufacturing of dyes, resins, and pharmaceuticals. The spelling of this word can be quite challenging due to the omission of the letter "h" in "naphthol."
Betanaphthol is a chemical compound that falls under the category of naphthols, which are aromatic alcohols derived from naphthalene. Specifically, betanaphthol is an isomer of alph-naphthol, differing in the position of the hydroxyl (-OH) group. It is also known by its systematic name 2-naphthol.
On a molecular level, betanaphthol consists of a naphthalene ring system with a hydroxyl group attached to the second carbon atom of the benzene ring. It is a white, crystalline solid with a slight phenolic odor.
Due to its structure, betanaphthol exhibits various chemical properties and applications. It is commonly used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals, including antiseptics and anti-inflammatory drugs. It can also function as a reducing agent in certain chemical reactions. Moreover, betanaphthol is a vital component in the manufacture of certain pesticides and wood preservatives.
In terms of safety, betanaphthol should be handled with caution, as it can be harmful if ingested, inhaled, or in contact with skin. It is advisable to use protective equipment and follow proper safety procedures when working with this compound.
Overall, betanaphthol is a chemically versatile compound with diverse industrial applications and plays a significant role in various fields, ranging from pharmaceuticals to dye production.
The word "betanaphthol" comes from a combination of two parts: "beta" and "naphthol".
The prefix "beta" is derived from the Greek letter "β" (beta), which is used in the scientific nomenclature to indicate the position of a particular substituent on a chemical compound. In this case, "beta" refers to the position of the hydroxyl (OH) group on the naphthalene ring structure.
"Naphthol" refers to a class of organic compounds called naphthalenols, which are derived from naphthalene. Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon made up of two fused benzene rings.
Therefore, "betanaphthol" is a compound name that indicates the presence of a hydroxyl group (OH) on the beta position of the naphthalene ring structure.