naphthalene

[ naf-thuh-leen, nap- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble hydrocarbon, C 1 0 H 8 , usually obtained from coal tar: used in making dyes, as a moth repellant, etc.

naphthalene

/ ˈnæp-; ˈnæfθəˌliːn; ˈnæfθəlɪn; ˈnæp-; næp-; næfˈθælɪk /

noun

1. a white crystalline volatile solid with a characteristic penetrating odour: an aromatic hydrocarbon used in mothballs and in the manufacture of dyes, explosives, etc. Formula: C 10 H 8

naphthalene

/ năf′thə-lēn′ /

1. A white crystalline compound made from coal tar or petroleum and used to make dyes, mothballs, explosives, and solvents. Naphthalene consists of two benzene rings fused together. Chemical formula: C 10 H 8 .

Derived Forms

• naphthalic, adjective

Other Words From

• naph·thal·ic [naf-, thal, -ik, nap-], naph·tha·len·ic [naf-th, uh, -, len, -ik, nap-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of naphthalene¹

First recorded in 1865–70; naphth- + -al ³ + -ene

Word History and Origins

Origin of naphthalene¹

C19: from naphtha + alcohol + -ene

Example Sentences

Eighteen different facilities emit a variety of cancer-causing pollutants such as benzene, butadiene and naphthalene into the air of Port Arthur and its neighboring towns.

From ProPublica

The undissolved hydrocarbon is similarly purified by fractional distillation, and furnishes the solid crystalline naphthalene.

From Project Gutenberg

Owing to the structure of the naphthalene molecule there are two isomeric naphthols, whereas there is only one phenol.

From Project Gutenberg

Secondary azo-colours derived from these bases and the usual naphthalene derivatives are also manufactured.

From Project Gutenberg

Other colouring-matters of the same group are in use; some of them, like “new blue,” being derivatives of naphthalene.

From Project Gutenberg

In addition to the azo-colours, there are certain other products which claim naphthalene as a raw material.

From Project Gutenberg