1,8-Dihydroxynaphthalene is an organic compound featuring a naphthalene core substituted with two hydroxyl groups at the 1 and 8 positions. It is a white to light brown crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C₁₀H₈O₂. This compound serves as a crucial precursor in the synthesis of various functional materials. Its primary industrial application lies in the field of organic dyes and pigments. 1,8-Dihydroxynaphthalene is a key intermediate for the production of naphthol AS series azoic coupling components, which are widely used in the textile industry for dyeing cotton and other cellulose fibers. Furthermore, due to its rigid, planar aromatic structure and functional groups, it is an important building block for the synthesis of advanced organic materials, including organic semiconductors, fluorescent probes, and ligands for metal complexes. The compound requires careful handling as it may cause skin and eye irritation. Its utility as a versatile synthon in organic synthesis and material science continues to drive research into its derivatives for novel applications.