Used primarily in the synthesis of azo dyes and pigments, 1-naphthylamine serves as a key intermediate in the dye industry. It is involved in the production of colorants for textiles, leather, and paper due to its ability to form stable colored compounds. It also finds use in the manufacture of certain pesticides and rubber processing chemicals, where it acts as a curing agent or antioxidant. Additionally, it has been employed in analytical chemistry as a reagent for detecting nitrites and other compounds through colorimetric methods. Due to health and environmental concerns, its use has declined in some regions, with safer alternatives being preferred.