Naphthoyl

Naphthoyl is a chemical term referring to a functional group or substituent derived from naphthalene. Specifically, it is the acyl group derived from a naphthoic acid. A naphthoic acid is a carboxylic acid derivative of naphthalene, analogous to benzoic acid derived from benzene.

The naphthoyl group has the chemical formula C₁₀H₇CO-, where the carbonyl group (-CO-) is bonded to the naphthalene ring system. It is often represented in chemical structures as NpC(O)-, where Np indicates the naphthalene moiety.

Naphthoyl moieties are found in a variety of organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other fine chemicals. The properties of a naphthoyl group can influence the reactivity and characteristics of the larger molecule to which it is attached, affecting its stability, solubility, and biological activity. The position of attachment of the carbonyl group to the naphthalene ring (e.g., 1-naphthoyl, 2-naphthoyl) can further influence these properties.

The synthesis of naphthoyl derivatives typically involves reactions of naphthoic acids or their derivatives, such as naphthoyl chlorides or esters, with other organic compounds. Common reactions include esterification, amidation, and Friedel-Crafts acylation.