What is the Difference Between Alpha and Beta Naphthol?

Alpha and beta naphthol are structural isomers of each other, meaning they have the same chemical formula but differ in the arrangement of their atoms. The key difference between alpha and beta naphthol is the position of the hydroxyl (OH) group on the naphthalene ring:

• Alpha Naphthol: The hydroxyl group is attached to the carbon atom adjacent to the double bond in the naphthalene ring. It is also called 1-naphthol or naphthalen-1-ol.
• Beta Naphthol: The hydroxyl group is attached to the carbon atom at the end of the naphthalene ring, on the second carbon atom from the ring structure. It is also called naphthalen-2-ol.

Both alpha and beta naphthol have the same chemical formula, C10H7OH, and are organic compounds consisting of a naphthalene ring structure. They are useful as biomarkers in livestock and humans who are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Comparative Table: Alpha vs Beta Naphthol

The main difference between alpha and beta naphthol lies in the position of the hydroxyl group on the naphthalene ring. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences and similarities between alpha and beta naphthol:

Both alpha and beta naphthol are organic compounds derived from naphthalene and feature a hydroxyl group attached to the naphthalene ring. They are structural isomers, meaning they have the same chemical formula but differ in the arrangement of their atoms.