Pigments & Colorants
REACH
Naphthalene
CAS Number
91-20-3
EC Number
202-049-5
What is Naphthalene?
Naphthalene (CAS 91-20-3), also known commercially as white tar and tar camphor, is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derived primarily from coal tar and petroleum refining.
Where is Naphthalene used?
- Pharmaceutical and agrochemical: intermediate in synthesizing active ingredients, including fungicides and insecticides
- Pharmaceutical: production of drug compounds such as beta-blockers
- Textile and leather: naphthalene-derived sulfonates as dispersants and leveling agents in dye baths
- Printing and packaging: production of phthalocyanine pigments for inks and coatings
- Consumer and industrial pest control: moth-repellent blocks and fumigant formulations
- It acts as a biocide to protect fabrics and stored goods from insect damage.
Commercial specifications
- Technical grade most common, purity typically ninety-six percent to over ninety-nine percent
- Refined grades meeting higher purity thresholds for pharmaceutical intermediate and specialty chemical manufacturing
Other Names (Synonyms)
white tar|tar camphor|Naphthene|Camphor tar|Mothballs|Tolboxane|Moth flakes
What are the physical properties of Naphthalene?
Melting Point 80.2 °C
Boiling Point 217.9 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density 1.162 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 174 °F
Appearance Naphthalene is a colorless to brown crystalline solid with a characteristic “moth ball” odor. Shipped as a molten solid.
Color White to almost white
Odor at 10.00 % in benzyl benzoate. pungent dry tarry
Form Faint beige to brown to salmon red powder
Water Solubility 30 mg/L (25 ºC)
Vapor Pressure 0.03 mm Hg ( 25 °C)
Refractive Index 1.5821
Log P 3.7 at 25℃
How is Naphthalene classified and handled safely? Learn More
Warning
GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard GHS09· Environmental Hazard GHS02· Flammable
Hazard Statements
H228 Flammable solid
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H316 Causes mild skin irritation
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Naphthalene?
HS Code 29029010
UN Number 1334
ADR Class 4.1
Packing Group III
Storage Class 4.1B - Flammable solid hazardous materials
WGK (Germany) 3