image desc

What is Refined Naphthalene and its industrial use

Refined from crude, naphthalene is a crystalline, aromatic, white powder. Naphthalene is most commonly known as the primary ingredient in mothballs. Synonyms: Coal tar camphor,Tar camphor,Naphthalin,White tar, Naphthene,Moth flakes,Moth balls.Refined naphthalene is a white or light yellow, crystalline powder or flaky substance that is derived from crude naphthalene. It has a mothball-like odor and is highly volatile.Refined naphthalene is highly toxic and flammable, so precautions should be taken when using it. People with a hereditary deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) are particularly susceptible to naphthalene exposure. Naphthalene is a white crystalline solid that is denser than water and has a strong coal-tar odor. It is flammable and potentially explosive.Natural sources of naphthalene include petroleum and coal tar. It is extracted by heating the raw material to a temperature of 200°C to 250°C (392°F to 482°F), resulting in middle oil, a mixture of hydrocarbons. After that, the middle oil is distilled to separate its many components, one of which is naphthalene. This naphthalene is cleaned by washing it in strong acid, then in a sodium hydroxide solution, and finally by steam distillation.

The solubility of naphthalene in water can be determined by its structure. Naphthalene is a polyatomic hydrocarbon. A large number of carbon atoms makes it a hydrophobic molecule. Due to this hydrophobic structure, the naphthalene in water is insoluble.


Synthesis of Naphthalene

Coal Tar-Naphthalene can be obtained from the coaltar, by making naphthalene crystals. These crystals can be formed by the middle oil fraction. The crystals produced in this process are subjected to sulphuric acid for the purification process. In the end, pure naphthalene crystals are formed.Haworth Synthesis- In this process, benzene to naphthalene is produced. The benzene ring is first subjected to the acylation process. This reaction starts with the Friedel craft Acylation of a benzene ring with the succinic anhydride, then a series of reduction reactions undergo. Finally, a naphthalene molecule is produced by dehydrogenation.


Here are some properties of refined naphthalene: 

Chemical formula: C10H8 
Boiling point: 218°C 
Freezing/melting point: 79–82°C 

INDUSTRY USES

Refined naphthalene powder is raw material, used for the production of various organic compounds. It is used in agriculture and the fabric industry. Pyrotechnic special effects such as the formation of black smoke and simulated explosions employ refined naphthalene.


May be used in the agricultural, textile or fabric industries.

Fumigant that may be used in pesticides (such as mothballs)

Special Effects and Pyrotechnics – Naphthalene produces a large explosion of black smoke that may be used for movies or military training.

Chemical Intermediate


Refined naphthalene is used in a variety of applications

Manufacturing: Used to make dyes, fuels, plastics, and more 
Insecticides and pesticides: A common ingredient in mothballs 
Pharmaceuticals: Used in a range of medicinal applications, including as an anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and more 


Refined naphthalene can be packaged in a variety of ways:

PP bag: Refined naphthalene powder can be packaged in PP bags in sizes of 250 g, 500 g, and 1 kg. 
HDPE bag: Refined naphthalene balls can be packaged in loose 50 kg HDPE bags. 
Reinforced fiber board box: Tulstar repackages naphthalene in reinforced fiber board boxes to contain the pungent odor and make it easier to store.