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

This includes extremely challenging aromatic molecules with very high oxidation potentials such as naphthalene, toluene, or benzene.

From Science Daily

In this new approach, the team produced benzenes and naphthalenes with functional groups which are attached precisely to specific positions.

From Science Daily

Indene is a starting material frequently used in the production of organic compounds, as is the product naphthalene.

From Science Daily

It said those samples showed elevated levels of the hazardous chemicals benzene and naphthalene.

From Seattle Times

Our test results indicated that all the 52 children we tested had high levels in their urine of metabolised naphthalene, a possible carcinogen.

From BBC