Introduction & Uses

Naphthalene is a white solid with a strong smell. More common names that are used are mothballs, moth flakes, white tar, and tar camphor. Naphthalene is a natural component of fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal it is also formed when natural products such as wood or tobacco are burned.

Naphthalene is used in the manufacture of resins, phthaleins, dyes, pharmaceuticals, insect repellents, and other materials. Other items around the home that are made from naphthalene are moth repellents, in the form of mothballs or crystals, and toilet and diaper pail deodorant blocks. Naphthalene is also used for making leather tanning agents, and the insecticide carbaryl.

Specification

Napthalene is available from two sources.
Both supply three grades:

1. Crude;
2. Refined; and
3. Pure.

Naphthalene All Grades Specification (A)

Naphthalene All Grades Specification (B)

Crude Naphthalene Specification

Safety Information

Safety (MSDS) data for naphthalene

General

Synonyms: albocarbon, mighty 150, mighty rd1, moth flakes, NCI-C52904, white tar, naphthalin, naphthene, camphor tar, tar camphor, moth balls
Molecular formula: C10H8
CAS No: 91-20-3
EC No: 202-049-5

Physical data

Appearance: white crystals
Melting point: 77 C
Boiling point: 218 C
Specific gravity: 1.14
Vapour pressure: 1 mm Hg at 20 C
Vapour density: 4.4 g/l
Flash point: 88 C
Explosion limits: 0.9 – 5.9%

Stability

Stable. Flammable – avoid sources of ignition. Incompatible with oxidising agents. Heat-sensitive. Sublimes slowly at room temperature.

Toxicology

May cause irritation. Toxic by inhalation or ingestion. TLV 10 ppm. Sensitizer. Possible carcinogen.

Toxicity data

ORL-CHD LDLO 100 mg kg-1
UNR-HMN LDLO 29 mg kg-1
ORL-MUS LD50 533 mg kg-1
IVN-MUS LD50 100 mg kg-1
ORL-RBT LD50 3000 mg kg-1

Irritation data

EYE-RBT 100 mg/mld
SKN-RBT 495 mg open mld

Risk phrases

R20 R21 R22 R36 R37 R38 R43 R45.

Personal protection

Safety glasses. Use efficient ventilation.

Safety phrases

S16 S26 S36 S37 S39 S45.