 It was formerly used to make azo dyes, but it is a known carcinogen and has largely been replaced by less toxic compounds.2-Naphthylamine is prepared by heating 2-naphthol with ammonium zinc chloride to 200-210 °C, the Bucherer reaction.It also can be produced its acetyl derivative by heating 2-naphthol with ammonium acetate to 270-280 °C.