2-(7-Methoxynaphthalen-1-yl)acetic acid, also known as 7-methoxy-1-naphthylacetic acid, is a naphthalene derivative featuring a methoxy group at the 7-position and an acetic acid side chain at the 1-position. It serves as a crucial synthetic intermediate in pharmaceutical chemistry. Its primary and most significant application is in the synthesis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This compound is a direct precursor to nabumetone, a prodrug that is metabolized in the body to the active form, 6-methoxy-2-naphthylacetic acid (6-MNA), which is a potent COX-2 inhibitor. The synthesis of nabumetone from this intermediate is a key step in its commercial production. As a specialized building block with a defined pharmaceutical endpoint, its use is predominantly confined to the synthesis of this specific API and related analogs. It is not considered a general-purpose organic synthesis reagent.