Definition of naphthalene - What it is, Meaning and Concept

The French word naphtalene came to our language as naphthalene .It is called a aromatic hydrocarbon that It arises when a pair of benzene rings condenses .

To understand what naphthalene is, therefore, it is necessary to be clear about several notions.A hydrocarbon is a compound that is produced when carbon is combined with hydrogen.If the hydrocarbon is derived from benzene, it is qualified as aromatic .

Aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene are very stable due to the structure of the conjugated double bonds .They are called aromatic since they usually give off a intense odor . Benzene , is characterized by its ring-like arrangement, with six carbon atoms.

Naphthalene, known as white tar or commercially as naphthalene , is an off-white solid.It was discovered in the 19th century as an element derived from coal tar distillation.

In 1826 , the English physicist and chemist Michael Faraday (1791-1867) discovered the chemical formula of naphthalene: C10H8 .Four decades later, the German Emil Erlenmeyer postulated the structure of a pair of benzene rings that merge.

Typically, naphthalene is obtained from the distillation of coal tar, being the component that appears most abundantly in this substance, however, naphthalene can also be produced within the framework of the oil refining .

Many people use naphthalene (naphthalene) as a moth repellent .It is important, however, to consider its toxicity: naphthalene can cause serious damage to health .

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