Naftaleenin

Naftaleenin, known in English as naphthalene, is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with the chemical formula C10H8. It consists of two fused benzene rings and occurs as colorless to white crystals with a characteristic mothball odor. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in many organic solvents. At room temperature it is a solid, with a melting point of 80.2 °C and a boiling point of about 218 °C.

Occurrence and production: Naphthalene is primarily obtained from coal tar as a byproduct of coal processing and is also produced during petroleum refining. Industrial production historically relied on coal tar distillation, and today it remains a major component of coal tar fractions. It can be synthesized or extracted from mixtures containing PAHs and is often a starting material for the manufacture of dye intermediates and other aromatic compounds.

Uses: Naphthalene serves as a chemical building block in the production of dyes, resins, plastics, flame retardants, and lubricants. It is a precursor to phthalic anhydride via oxidation and is used in the synthesis of various naphthol dyes. It has also been used as a moth repellent (in mothballs) and as a solvent or intermediate in organic synthesis, though its use in consumer products has declined due to safety concerns.

Safety and environmental considerations: Naphthalene is flammable and can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It is classified by the IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Exposure should be minimized, and proper ventilation, storage in sealed containers, and adherence to safety data sheets are recommended. Environmental release can lead to persistence in soil and water, with degradation occurring gradually through biological and photochemical processes.