Used primarily as a monomer in polymer synthesis, 1-vinylnaphthalene contributes to the production of specialty resins and copolymers with enhanced thermal and oxidative stability. Its aromatic structure improves the rigidity and glass transition temperature of resulting polymers, making it suitable for high-performance coatings, adhesives, and engineering plastics. It is also employed in the development of functional materials for optoelectronics due to its fluorescence properties. Additionally, it serves as a crosslinking agent in styrenic systems to improve mechanical strength and chemical resistance.