1-Nitroso-2-naphthol

1-Nitroso-2-naphthol is an organic compound with the formula. It is one of several possible nitrosonaphthols, and the most studied for applications as an indicator and a dye.

Synthesis and reactions

1-Nitroso-2-naphthol can be prepared by treatment of 2-naphthol with nitrous acid:
Its conjugate base forms deeply colored complexes with iron and cobalt, complexes ^2-. The deep colors of these complexes results from the delocalized bonding within each five-membered chelate ring. These species can be classified as nitroso complexes.