Naphthol derivatives and process for producing the same

A process for producing a naphthol derivative representated by formula (I):

• ##STR47## R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom, an alkaline metal, an optionally branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a phenalkylene group;
• wherein 1 of Y and Y' is --(CONH).sub.n --X and the other is --(CONH).sub.n --X or COR, R indicates a hydroxyl group, an optionally branched alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a benzyloxy group, a phenyloxy group or a phenacyloxy group;
• which comprises condensing a naphthol derivative represented by the general formula (II):
• ##STR48## wherein one of R.sub.4 and R.sub.4 ' is a hydroxyl group or a halogen atom and the other is a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom, an optionally branched alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a benzyloxy group, a phenyloxy group or a phenacyloxy group;
• R.sub.5 is a hydrogen atom or a protective group of a hydroxyl group;
• and
• Z is at least one group selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a nitroso group, and an amino group and Z may be substituted on any ring of the naphthalene ring;
• with an aniline compound represented by a general formula (III):
• H.sub.2 N--R.sub.3 --X (III)
• wherein R.sub.3 is a single bond or --CONH-- and each X is independently selected from a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, an anthraquinonyl group, a benzimidazolonyl group or a carbazolyl group, and each X group may be optionally substituted.