Abstract

This article deals mainly with naphthalene. The hydrogenated naphthalenes, the alkylnaphthalenes (particularly methyl- and isopropylnaphthalenes), and acenaphthalene also are discussed. These aromatic hydrocarbons have the expected properties and undergo the usual reactions of electrophilic aromatic substitution as well as oxidation, a significant commercial reaction.Coal tar and petroleum are the sources of naphthalene in the United States. The principal use of naphthalene is for phthalic anhydride manufacture. Naphthalene is also a raw material for synthesis of pesticides, dispersants, and wetting agents.