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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


naphthalene

/ năfthə-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 .


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Derived Forms

  • naphthalic, adjective
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Other Words From

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

Origin of naphthalene1

First recorded in 1865–70; naphth- + -al 3 + -ene
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Word History and Origins

Origin of naphthalene1

C19: from naphtha + alcohol + -ene
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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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naphthacenenaphthalize