Definition

Noun: A white, crystalline, aromatic hydrocarbon with a strong, characteristic odor. It is derived from coal tar or petroleum and is used primarily in chemical manufacturing (organic synthesis) and as a fumigant, most commonly in mothballs.

Usage

Naphthalene is used as a non-count noun to refer to the chemical substance itself. - Chemical Production: It serves as a raw material in the synthesis of other chemicals. - Fumigant: It is used to repel or kill moths and other insects.

Examples

• As a chemical compound:
  • Naphthalene is an important starting material for making dyes and plastics.
  • The laboratory stored the naphthalene in a sealed container due to its strong smell.
• As a fumigant:
  • She placed mothballs containing naphthalene in the wardrobe to protect her wool sweaters.

Advanced Usage

• In Chemistry: The term is used to describe the specific bicyclic aromatic structure (C₁₀H₈) and its properties.
  • The reaction involved the oxidation of naphthalene to phthalic anhydride.

Variants and Related Words

• Naphthalenic (adjective): Relating to or derived from naphthalene.
  • The compound exhibited naphthalenic characteristics.

Synonyms

• Tar camphor (an older, less common term).
• White tar (an older, less common term).

Notes on Meaning

The word refers exclusively to the specific chemical compound. It does not refer to the final consumer product (mothballs), but to the active ingredient within them.

Noun

1. a white crystalline strong-smelling hydrocarbon made from coal tar or petroleum and used in organic synthesis and as a fumigant in mothballs