Definition of naphthalene Naphthalene

/næˈfθʌliˌn/ - [nafthuleen] - naph•tha•lene

We found 6 definitions of naphthalene from 5 different sources.

What does naphthalene mean?

Noun Plural: naphthalenes
naphthalene - a white crystalline strong-smelling hydrocarbon made from coal tar or petroleum and used in organic synthesis and as a fumigant in mothballs
		hydrocarbon an organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen
		coal tar a tar formed from distillation of bituminous coal; coal tar can be further distilled to give various aromatic compounds

= synonym
= antonym
= related word

naphthalene (Noun)
A white crystalline hydrocarbon manufactured from coal tar ; used in mothballs.
naphthalene (Noun)
An aromatic bicyclic hydrocarbon, C10H8; an acene containing two fused benzene rings.

naphthalene (n.)
A white crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon, C10H8, analogous to benzene, and obtained by the distillation of certain bituminous materials, such as the heavy oil of coal tar. It is the type and basis of a large number of derivatives among organic compounds. Formerly called also naphthaline.

Naphtalene (not to be confused with Naphtha) is a crystalline, white hydrocarbon, with a strong smell. It is best known as the main ingredient in mothballs, and is also in urinal deodorizer blocks. Other names for naphtalelne are naphthalin, naphthaline, tar camphor, white tar, albocarbon, or naphthene. It is used as an antiseptic. In mothballs, it is used as an insecticide or pesticide.

Naphalene is toxic. In humans, being exposed to naphtalene can destroy red blood cells. Naphtalene may also cause cancer.