The molecule is a naphthoic acid that is 2-naphthoic acid substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 1 and 4. It has a role as an Escherichia coli metabolite. It is a dihydroxy monocarboxylic acid, a naphthoic acid, a member of naphthalenediols and a naphthohydroquinone. It derives from a 2-naphthoic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate.
1,4-dihydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid