1,8-Naphthalic anhydride is an organic compound with the formula C10H6(C2O3). It is one of three isomers of naphthalic anhydride, the other two being the 1,2- and the 2,3-derivatives. The 1,8-isomer is prepared by aerobic oxidation of acenaphthene.
Derivatives Hydrolysis gives 1,8-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid. Heating that diacid induces isomerization to 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid.
1,8-Naphthalic anhydride is a precursor to the 4-chloro and 4,5-dichloro derivatives. These chloride groups are susceptible to displacement by amines and alkoxides, giving rise, ultimately, to a large family of naphthalimides, which are used as optical brighteners.
Hydride reduction of naphthalic anhydride gives 1,8-bis(hydroxymethyl)naphthalene, a precursor to 1,8-dimethylnaphthalene
Derivatives includes the drug Alrestatin.
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