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Naphthalen

Naphthalene, with the chemical formula C10H8, is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composed of two fused benzene rings. It is a planar, colorless to white crystalline solid known for its strong, distinctive odor. It sublimes at room temperature and has a melting point of 80.2 °C and a boiling point of about 218 °C. In water it is sparingly soluble, but it dissolves readily in many organic solvents.

Occurrence and production: Naphthalene occurs in small amounts in coal tar and is obtained primarily from distillation

Uses and applications: Beyond its role as a chemical intermediate, naphthalene has been used as a solvent

Health and safety: Naphthalene is an irritant and can pose health risks upon inhalation or dermal exposure.

of
coal
tar
and
from
certain
hydrocarbon
processing
streams
in
the
petrochemical
industry.
It
serves
as
a
versatile
chemical
feedstock;
one
major
use
is
the
production
of
phthalic
anhydride
via
catalytic
oxidation,
a
precursor
for
dyes,
resins,
and
various
plastics.
Historically,
naphthalene
was
widely
used
as
a
moth
repellent
(mothballs),
a
use
that
has
declined
due
to
health
and
environmental
concerns.
and
as
a
starting
material
for
the
synthesis
of
other
aromatic
compounds.
Its
derivatives
and
oxidation
products
play
roles
in
the
manufacture
of
pigments,
detergents,
and
specialty
chemicals.
It
has
been
associated
with
oxidative
effects
in
red
blood
cells
of
susceptible
individuals
and
is
regarded
as
a
potential
carcinogen
in
some
assessments.
It
is
flammable
and
should
be
handled
with
appropriate
precautions
to
avoid
inhalation,
ingestion,
or
skin
contact,
and
to
prevent
environmental
release.