Definition

A type of organic compound that is derived from naphthalene and has a hydroxyl group, existing in two forms known as alpha-naphthol and beta-naphthol.

Example

Alpha-naphthol is often used in the production of dyes and as an antiseptic.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of naphthol?

Yeah, I think it's used in some dyes or something, right?

Exactly! It's also found in antiseptics, which is pretty interesting.

I didn't know that! It's cool how chemicals can have so many applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Naphthol is formed from "naphth" (from Greek "naphtha", meaning a type of flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture) and "-ol" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote alcohols or phenolic compounds). The word refers to a compound derived from naphtha that contains a hydroxyl group, indicating its classification as an alcohol.

Memory Tip

Think of 'naphth' as a flammable liquid and '-ol' as a chemical suffix for alcohols, which helps you remember that naphthol is a compound related to naphtha that has alcohol properties.

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