3-Hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid is an organic compound with the formula C10H6(OH)(CO2H). It is one of the several hydroxynaphthoic acids. It is a precursor to some azo dyes and pigments. It is prepared by carboxylation of 2-naphthol by the Kolbe–Schmitt reaction.[1]
3-Hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid is a precursor to many anilides, such as Naphthol AS, which are reactive toward diazonium salts to give deeply colored azo compounds. Azo coupling of 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid gives many dyes as well. Heating 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid in ammonia give 3-amino-2-naphthoic acid.[2]