91-20-3 Usage
Uses
Used in Chemical Industry:
Naphthalene is used as a hydrocarbon raw material for the production of phthalic anhydride, carbamate insecticides, surface active agents, and resins. It is also used as a dye intermediate, synthetic tanning agent, and in miscellaneous organic chemicals.
Used in Plastics and Resins Production:
Naphthalene is used as an intermediate in the production of phthalate plasticizers, other plastics, and resins. It is catalytically oxidized to phthalic anhydride, which is used to produce plastics, phthalate plasticizers, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, and resins.
Used in Insecticides and Pest Control:
Naphthalene is used in the production of carbamate insecticides such as carbaryl, a wide-spectrum, general-purpose insecticide. It is also used in mothballs and other moth repellants, as well as solid block deodorizers for toilets and diaper pails.
Used in Dyes and Tanning Industry:
Naphthalene is used in the manufacture of phthalic and anthranilic acids to make indigo, indanthrene, and triphenyl methane dyes. It is also used as a synthetic tanning agent.
Used in Miscellaneous Applications:
Naphthalene is used in dusting powders, lavatory deodorant discs, wood preservatives, fungicides, and as an insecticide. It has been used as an intestinal antiseptic and vermicide and in the treatment of pediculosis and scabies.
Used in Research and Development:
Naphthalene has been used in liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite in organic solvents for the production of graphene sheets. It has also been used in the preparation of carbon-coated Si70Sn30 nanoparticles, as a fluorescent probe to study the aggregation behavior of sodium cholate, and to investigate the influence of added short chain linear and branched alcohols on the binding of 1:1 complex of naphthalene and β-cyclodextrin.
Health Hazard
Most of the data available on the toxic effects of naphthalene have been derived from animal studies conducted either in vivo or with in vitro preparations.
Rats and mice breathing naphthalene vapors daily for a lifetime had irritated noses and nose tumors and irritated lungs. Some female mice had lung tumors. Some animals got cloudy eyes after ingesting it.
It is not clear if naphthalene causes reproductive problems in animals. Although there is no direct data showing that naphthalene can cause cancer in people, naphthalene exposure can lead to cancer in animals.
Exposure to large amounts of naphthalene may damage or destroy red blood cells, a condition called hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia are feeling very tired or restless, lack of appetite, and pale skin. Exposure to large amounts of naphthalene may also cause upset stomach, diarrhea, blood in the urine,and yellow-colored skin. Very young children and unborn children are at higher risk if they are exposed to naphthalene, especially if they ingest the chemical. Some infants have become ill when they were close to clothing or blankets stored in naphthalene mothballs.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of naphthalene vapor may causeirritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratorytract, and injury to the cornea. Other symptoms are headache, nausea, confusion, andexcitability. The routes of exposure of thiscompound into the body are inhalation, ingestion, and absorption through the skin; andthe organs that may be affected are the eyes,liver, kidney, blood, skin, and central nervoussystem.The most severe toxic effects from naphthalene, however, may come from oral intakeof large doses of this compound. In animals, as well as in humans, ingestion of largeamounts may cause acute hemolytic anemiaand hemoglobinuria attributed to its metabolites, 1- and 2-naphthol and naphthoquinones.Infants are more sensitive than adults becauseof their lower capacity for methemoglobinreduction. Other symptoms from ingestion ofnaphthalene are gastrointestinal pain and kidney damage. The LD50 values reported inthe literature show variation among differentspecies. In mice, an oral LD50 value may beon the order of 600 mg/kg. Symptoms of respiratory depression and ataxia were noted.Chronic exposure to naphthalene vapormay affect the eyes, causing opacities of thelens and optical neuritis. The acute effectsfrom inhalation of its vapors at high concentrations are nausea and vomiting.Inhalation studies have shown positivetumorigenic response in mice. Studies conducted under National Toxicology Program(NTP) show clear evidence of carcinogenicityin rats resulting from inhalation of naphthalene vapors (NTP 2000). Increased incidencesof respiratory epithelial adenoma and olfactory epithelial neuroblastoma in the nose wereobserved in both the sexes of rats. On thebasis of these findings IARC has reevaluatednaphthalene and reclassified it under Group2B carcinogen, as possibly carcinogenic tohumans (IARC 2002)..
Toxicity
Naphthalene is a white solid substance with a strong smell. Poisoning from naphthalene destroys or changes red blood cells so they cannot carry oxygen. This can cause organ damage.
In humans, naphthalene is broken down to alpha-naphthol, which is linked to the development of hemolytic anemia. Kidney and liver damage may also occur. Alpha-naphthol and other metabolites are excreted in urine.
In animals, naphthalene breaks down into other compounds including alpha-naphthol, which may affect the lungs and eyes. Naphthalene was found in the milk of exposed cows, but the residues disappeared quickly after the cows were no longer exposed. Nearly all the naphthalene was broken down into other compounds and excreted in their urine.
History
In 1819, naphthalene was obtained as white crystals during the pyrolysis of coal tar by John
Kidd (1775–1851), a British physician and chemist, and Alexander Garden (1757–1829), an
American living in Britain. Kidd described the properties of the white crystals he obtained
from coal tar and proposed the named naphthaline for the substance; naphthaline was
derived from naphtha, a general term for a volatile, fl ammable, hydrocarbon liquid. Michael
Faraday (1791–1867) determined the correct empirical formula for naphthalene in 1825,
and Richard August Carl Emil Erlenmeyer (1825–1909) proposed the fused benzene ring
structure in 1866.
Production Methods
Naphthalene is produced from coal tar or petroleum. It is made from petroleum by dealkylationof methylnaphthalenes in the presence of hydrogen at high temperature and pressure.Petroleum was a major source of naphthalene until the 1980s, but now most naphthaleneis produced from coal tar. The pyrolysis of bituminous coal produces coke and coke ovengases. Naphthalene is condensed by cooling the coke gas and then separated from the gas.
Synthesis Reference(s)
Journal of the American Chemical Society, 96, p. 3686, 1974 DOI: 10.1021/ja00818a072The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 54, p. 4474, 1989 DOI: 10.1021/jo00279a046Tetrahedron Letters, 27, p. 5541, 1986 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(00)85262-4
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Vigorous reactions, sometimes amounting to explosions, can result from the contact between aromatic hydrocarbons, such as Naphthalene, and strong oxidizing agents. They can react exothermically with bases and with diazo compounds. Substitution at the benzene nucleus occurs by halogenation (acid catalyst), nitration, sulfonation, and the Friedel-Crafts reaction. Naphthalene, camphor, glycerol, or turpentine will react violently with chromic anhydride [Haz. Chem. Data 1967. p 68]. Friedel-Crafts acylation of Naphthalene using benzoyl chloride, catalyzed by AlCl3, must be conducted above the melting point of the mixture, or the reaction may be violent [Clar, E. et al., Tetrahedron, 1974, 30, 3296].
Hazard
Toxic by inhalation. Upper respiratory tract
irritant, cataracts and hemolytic anemia. Possible
carcinogen.
Fire Hazard
Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames. Some may burn rapidly with flare burning effect. Powders, dusts, shavings, borings, turnings or cuttings may explode or burn with explosive violence. Substance may be transported in a molten form at a temperature that may be above its flash point. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
Safety Profile
Human poison by
ingestion. Experimental poison by ingestion, intravenous, and intraperitoneal routes.
Moderately toxic by subcutaneous route. An
experimental teratogen. Experimental
reproductive effects. An eye and skin
irritant. Can cause nausea, headache,
daphoresis, hematuria, fever, anemia, liver
damage, vomiting, convulsions, and coma.
Poisoning may occur by ingestion of large
doses, inhalation, or skin absorption.
Questionable carcinogen with experimental
tumorigenic data. Flammable when exposed
to heat or flame; reacts with oxidizing
materials. Explosive reaction with dinitrogen
pentaoxide. Reacts violently with CrOs,
aluminum chloride + benzoyl chloride. Fires
in the benzene scrubbers of coke oven gas
plants have been attributed to oxidation of
naphthalene. Explosive in the form of vapor
or dust when exposed to heat or flame. To
fight fire, use water, CO2, dry chemical.
When heated to decomposition it emits
acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Potential Exposure
Naphthalene is used as a chemical
intermediate or feedstock for synthesis of phthalic, anthranilic,
hydroxyl (naphthols), amino (naphthylamines), and sulfonic
compounds; which are used in the manufacture of
various dyes and in the preparation of phthalic anhydride, 1-naphthyl-N-methyl carbonate; and β-naphthol. Naphthalene
is also used in the manufacture of hydronaphthalenes, synthetic
resins; lampblack, smokeless powder; and celluloid.
Naphthalene has been used as a moth repellent.
Approximately 100 million people worldwide have G6PD
deficiency which would make them more susceptible to
hemolytic anemia on exposure to naphthalene. At present,
more than 80 variants of this enzyme deficiency have been
identified. The incidence of this deficiency is 0.1% in
American and European Caucasians, but can range as high
as 20% in American blacks and greater than 50% in certain
Jewish groups. Newborn infants have a similar sensitivity
to the hemolytic effects of naphthalene, even without
G6PD deficiency.
Carcinogenicity
Naphthalene is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogenbased on sufficient evidence from studies in experimental animals.
Shipping
UN1334 Naphthalene, crude or Naphthalene,
refined, Hazard Class: 4.1; Labels: 4.1-Flammable solid.
UN2304 (molten) Hazard Class: 4.1; Labels: 4.1-Flammable
solid.
Purification Methods
Crystallise naphthalene once or more times from the following solvents: EtOH, MeOH, CCl4, *C6H6, glacial acetic acid, acetone or diethyl ether, followed by drying at 60o in an Abderhalden drying apparatus. It has also been purified by vacuum sublimation and by fractional crystallisation from its melt. Other purification procedures include refluxing in EtOH over Raney Ni and chromatography of a CCl4 solution on alumina with *benzene as eluting solvent. Baly and Tuck [J Chem Soc 1902 1908] purified naphthalene for spectroscopy by heating with conc H2SO4 and MnO2, followed by steam distillation (repeating the process), and formation of the picrate which, after recrystallisation (m 150o) is decomposed with base and the naphthalene is steam distilled. It is then crystallised from dilute EtOH. It can be dried over P2O5 under vacuum (take care not to make it sublime). Also purify it by sublimation and subsequent crystallisation from cyclohexane. Alternatively, it has been washed at 85o with 10% NaOH to remove phenols, with 50% NaOH to remove nitriles, with 10% H2SO4 to remove organic bases, and with 0.8g AlCl3 to remove thianaphthalenes and various alkyl derivatives. Then it is treated with 20% H2SO4, 15% Na2CO3 and finally distilled. [Gorman et al. J Am Chem Soc 107 4404 1985.] Zone refining purified naphthalene from anthracene, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, methyl violet, benzoic acid, methyl red, chrysene, pentacene and indoline. [Beilstein 5 IV 1640.]
Toxicity evaluation
Systemic absorption of naphthalene vapor may result in
cataracts. The biochemical basis for naphthalene cataract has
been investigated. Naphthalene is metabolized in the liver to
1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene. Lenticular catechol
reductase biotransforms 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene
to 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene, which, in turn, is
auto-oxidized in air at neutral pH to 1,2-naphthoquinone
and hydrogen peroxide. Ascorbic acid reverses the latter
reaction and forms dehydroascorbic acid, which diffuses out
of the lens very slowly. Dehydroascorbic acid has been
shown to accumulate in the lens of rabbits that were fed
naphthalene and lens incubated in vitro with 1,2-dihydro-
1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene. The sequence of reactions
involves the reduction of ascorbic acid by 1,2-naphthoquinone
in the aqueous humor to dehydroascorbic acid,
which rapidly penetrates the lens and is reduced by glutathione.
Oxidized glutathione and 1,2-naphthoquinone may
compete for enzyme glutathione reductase, which normally
maintains high reticular levels of reduced glutathione. A
reduction in the concentration of these coupled with the
removal of oxygen from the aqueous humor due to the autooxidation
of 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene may make the lens
sensitive to naphthalene toxicity.
Incompatibilities
Dust may form explosive mixture with
air. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides,
permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine,
etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep
away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids,
oxoacids, epoxides. Violent reactions with chromium(III)
oxide, dinitrogen pentoxide; chromic anhydride.
Waste Disposal
Dissolve or mix the material
with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator
equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal,
state, and local environmental regulations must be
observed. Consult with environmental regulatory agencies
for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Generators
of waste containing this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must
conform with EPA regulations governing storage, transportation,
treatment, and waste disposal.
Check Digit Verification of cas no
The CAS Registry Mumber 91-20-3 includes 5 digits separated into 3 groups by hyphens. The first part of the number,starting from the left, has 2 digits, 9 and 1 respectively; the second part has 2 digits, 2 and 0 respectively.
Calculate Digit Verification of CAS Registry Number 91-20:
(4*9)+(3*1)+(2*2)+(1*0)=43
43 % 10 = 3
So 91-20-3 is a valid CAS Registry Number.
InChI:InChI=1/C10H8/c1-2-6-10-8-4-3-7-9(10)5-1/h1-8H
91-20-3Relevant articles and documents
Quenching processes of aromatic hydrocarbons in the higher triplet excited states-energy transfer vs. electron transfer
Cai, Xichen,Sakamoto, Masanori,Hara, Michihiro,Tojo, Sachiko,Kawai, Kiyohiko,Endo, Masayuki,Fujitsuka, Mamoru,Majima, Tetsuro
, p. 1735 - 1741 (2004)
Quenching processes of several aromatic hydrocarbons (AH) such as naphthalene (NAP), dibenz[a,h]anthracene (DBA), and chrysene (CHR) in the higher triplet excited states (T2) by different quenchers (Q) such as p-dichlorobenzene, o-dicyanobenzene aromatic compounds, and chloroalkanes (RCl), have been investigated by the two-color two-laser excitation method. AH in the higher triplet excited states (AH(Tn, n ≥ 2)) initially generated by the excitation of AH(T1) at the wavelength tuned to the absorption of AH(T1). AH(Tn) decays to a AH(T2) with the longest lifetime among AH(Tn) through the fast internal conversion. In the presence of Q, the competition of triplet energy transfer (TENT) and electron transfer (ELT) reactions between AH(T2) and Q are expected. However, no AH radical cation was observed, especially when the quenchers were chloroalkanes such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), methylene dichloride (CH2Cl2), 1,2-dichloroethane, which are good electron acceptors. It is suggested that the TENT is important during the quenching of AH(Tn) by Q. The lifetimes of NAP(T2), DBA(T2), and CHR(T2) were calculated from the TENT quenching experiments. It was found that the lifetimes of AH(T2) increase in the order of NAP(T2) (4.5 ps) 2) (16 ps) 2) (60 ps), which is consistent very well with the energy gap law for the transition from AH(T2) to AH(T1).
From Esters to Ketones via a Photoredox-Assisted Reductive Acyl Cross-Coupling Strategy
Chen, Yukun,Li, Weirong,Luo, Yixin,Qi, Xiaotian,Xi, Xiaoxiang,Xu, Minghao,Yuan, Weiming,Zhao, Hongping,Zheng, Songlin
, (2021/12/06)
A method was developed for ketone synthesis via a photoredox-assisted reductive acyl cross-coupling (PARAC) using a nickel/photoredox dual-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of two different carboxylic acid esters. A variety of aryl, 1°, 2°, 3°-alkyl 2-pyridyl esters can act as acyl electrophiles while N-(acyloxy)phthalimides (NHPI esters) act as 1°, 2°, 3°-radical precursors. Our PARAC strategy provides an alternative and reliable way to synthesize various sterically congested 3°-3°, 3°-2°, and aryl-3° ketones under mild and highly unified conditions, which have been otherwise difficult to access. The combined experimental and computational studies identified a Ni0/NiI/NiIII pathway for ketone formation.
Site-Selective Acceptorless Dehydrogenation of Aliphatics Enabled by Organophotoredox/Cobalt Dual Catalysis
Zhou, Min-Jie,Zhang, Lei,Liu, Guixia,Xu, Chen,Huang, Zheng
supporting information, p. 16470 - 16485 (2021/10/20)
The value of catalytic dehydrogenation of aliphatics (CDA) in organic synthesis has remained largely underexplored. Known homogeneous CDA systems often require the use of sacrificial hydrogen acceptors (or oxidants), precious metal catalysts, and harsh reaction conditions, thus limiting most existing methods to dehydrogenation of non- or low-functionalized alkanes. Here we describe a visible-light-driven, dual-catalyst system consisting of inexpensive organophotoredox and base-metal catalysts for room-temperature, acceptorless-CDA (Al-CDA). Initiated by photoexited 2-chloroanthraquinone, the process involves H atom transfer (HAT) of aliphatics to form alkyl radicals, which then react with cobaloxime to produce olefins and H2. This operationally simple method enables direct dehydrogenation of readily available chemical feedstocks to diversely functionalized olefins. For example, we demonstrate, for the first time, the oxidant-free desaturation of thioethers and amides to alkenyl sulfides and enamides, respectively. Moreover, the system's exceptional site selectivity and functional group tolerance are illustrated by late-stage dehydrogenation and synthesis of 14 biologically relevant molecules and pharmaceutical ingredients. Mechanistic studies have revealed a dual HAT process and provided insights into the origin of reactivity and site selectivity.
Reduced Phenalenyl in Catalytic Dehalogenative Deuteration and Hydrodehalogenation of Aryl Halides
Singh, Bhagat,Ahmed, Jasimuddin,Biswas, Amit,Paira, Rupankar,Mandal, Swadhin K.
, p. 7242 - 7255 (2021/05/29)
Dehalogenative deuteration reactions are generally performed through metal-mediated processes. This report demonstrates a mild protocol for hydrodehalogenation and dehalogenative deuteration of aryl/heteroaryl halides (39 examples) using a reduced odd alternant hydrocarbon phenalenyl under transition metal-free conditions and has been employed successfully for the incorporation of deuterium in various biologically active compounds. The combined approach of experimental and theoretical studies revealed a single electron transfer-based mechanism.
A New Protocol for Catalytic Reduction of Alkyl Chlorides Using an Iridium/Bis(benzimidazol-2′-yl)pyridine Catalyst and Triethylsilane
Fukuyama, Takahide,Hamada, Yuki,Ryu, Ilhyong
, p. 3404 - 3408 (2021/07/14)
The reduction of alkyl chlorides using triethylsilane is investigated. Primary, secondary, tertiary, and benzylic C-Cl bonds are effectively converted into C-H bonds using an [IrCl(cod)] 2/2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2′-yl)pyridine catalyst system. This catalyst system is quite simple since the tridentate N-ligand can be easily prepared in one step from commercially available reagents.
Efficient base-free hydrodehalogenation of organic halides catalyzed by a well-defined diphosphine-ruthenium(II) complex
Gao, Pengxiang,Liu, Qingbin,Liu, Yahuan,Ma, Ning,Wang, Zheng,Zhao, Ziwei
, (2021/10/29)
A base-free, robust catalytic system based on the diphosphine-ruthenium(II) complex cation has been developed for the hydrodehalogenation of a wide range of aryl- and alkyl-chlorides/bromides (27 examples) with molecule hydrogen. Notably, the reaction proceeds at 120 °C with low catalyst loading (0.1 mol%) and exhibits a good tolerance toward functional groups, such as amido, carboxyl, sulfonyl, methoxyl, ester groups. All dehalogenation products are confirmed by GC, GC–MS and NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, a mechanism for the diphosphine-ruthenium(II) complex cation catalyzed dehalogenation process has been proposed. This hydrodehalogenation methodology shows a potential application for the organic transformation and degradation of organic halides.
Nickel-Catalyzed Photodehalogenation of Aryl Bromides
Higginson, Bradley,Sanjosé-Orduna, Jesus,Gu, Yiting,Martin, Ruben
supporting information, p. 1633 - 1636 (2021/04/23)
Herein, we describe a Ni-catalyzed photodehalogenation of aryl bromides under visible-light irradiation that utilizes tetrahydrofuran as hydrogen source. The protocol obviates the need for exogeneous amine reductants or photocatalysts and is characterized by its simplicity and broad scope, including challenging substrate combinations.
Cross-Coupling Reactions of Aryl Halides with Primary and Secondary Aliphatic Alcohols Catalyzed by an O,N,N-Coordinated Nickel Complex
Hashimoto, Toru,Shiota, Keisuke,Funatsu, Kei,Yamaguchi, Yoshitaka
supporting information, p. 1625 - 1630 (2021/01/26)
A synthesis of alkyl aryl ethers was achieved via the cross-coupling of aryl halides with primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols catalyzed by a bench-stable nickel complex supported by a monoanionic O,N,N-tridentate ligand. This nickel-catalyzed reaction proceeds smoothly in the absence of a phosphine ligand, affording alkyl aryl ethers in moderate to good yields. (Figure presented.).
Metal-Free Heterogeneous Semiconductor for Visible-Light Photocatalytic Decarboxylation of Carboxylic Acids
Shi, Jiale,Yuan, Tao,Zheng, Meifang,Wang, Xinchen
, p. 3040 - 3047 (2021/03/09)
A suitable protocol for the photocatalytic decarboxylation of carboxylic acids was developed with metal-free ceramic boron carbon nitrides (BCN). With visible light irradiation, BCN oxidize carboxylic acids to give carbon-centered radicals, which were trapped by hydrogen atom donors or employed in the construction of the carbon-carbon bond. In this system, both (hetero)aromatic and aliphatic acids proceed the decarboxylation smoothly, and C-H, C-D, and C-C bonds are formed in moderate to high yields (35 examples, yield up to 93%). Control experiments support a radical process, and isotopic experiments show that methanol is employed as the hydrogen atom donor. Recycle tests and gram-scale reaction elucidate the practicability of the heterogeneous ceramic BCN photoredox system. It provides an alternative to homogeneous catalysts in the valuable carbon radical intermediates formation. Moreover, the metal-free system is also applicable to late-stage functionalization of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, which enrich the chemical toolbox.
Exploiting a silver-bismuth hybrid material as heterogeneous noble metal catalyst for decarboxylations and decarboxylative deuterations of carboxylic acids under batch and continuous flow conditions
?tv?s, Sándor B.,Fül?p, Ferenc,Kónya, Zoltán,Kukovecz, ákos,Márton, András,Mészáros, Rebeka,Pálinkó, István,Szabados, Márton,Varga, Gábor
, p. 4685 - 4696 (2021/07/12)
Herein, we report novel catalytic methodologies for protodecarboxylations and decarboxylative deuterations of carboxylic acids utilizing a silver-containing hybrid material as a heterogeneous noble metal catalyst. After an initial batch method development, a chemically intensified continuous flow process was established in a simple packed-bed system which enabled gram-scale protodecarboxlyations without detectable structural degradation of the catalyst. The scope and applicability of the batch and flow processes were demonstrated through decarboxylations of a diverse set of aromatic carboxylic acids. Catalytic decarboxylative deuterations were achieved on the basis of the reaction conditions developed for the protodecarboxylations using D2O as a readily available deuterium source.
