2-Amino-5-nitrophenol is produced from 2-aminophenol by reaction with acetic anhydride to form 2-methylbenzoxazole, which is nitrated and hydrolysed to form 2-amino5-nitrophenol. It was first sythesized by Kaltwasser and Oehrn In 1920. 2-Amino-5-nitrophenol is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of several azo dyes, including CI Solvent Red 8, which is used for colouring synthetic resins, lacquers, inks and wood stains. 2-Amino-5-nitrophenol is also used in many countries as a dye in semi-permanent hair colouring products to produce red and gold-blond shades. These products are generally shampooed into the hair, lathered and then allowed to remain in contact with the hair and scalp for 30-45 min. For this application, 2-amino-5-nitrophenol is mixed (at levels up to 0.5 %) with a blend of several other dyes in a shampoo base to produce the final colour or tint desired. It has been used (and still is to a limited extent) in permanent hair colouring products. The use of 2-amino-5-nitrophenol in cosme tic products is prohibited in the European Economic Community.

Salicylanilide (Salinidol). It is anilide of salicylic acid. It is an antifungal agent useful in the treatment of tinea capitis. Due to its inritant action on the skin, the concentration used should be 5 per cent or less. Salicylanilide is an oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler. Salicylanilide inhibits mycobacterial isocitrate lyase. Shows antifungal, antimycobacterial and antihelmitic effects in vivo.