Chemical Properties
reddish-brown mobile liquid with aromatic odour
Uses
Pharmaceutic aid (solvent).
General Description
A clear colorless to dark brownish colored liquid with an aromatic odor. Less volatile fraction separated from coal tar by distillation. Contains naphthalene, acenaphthene, methylnaphthalenes, fluorene, phenol, cresols, pyridine, picolines, among other substances. Flash point greater than 100 °F. Toxic by inhalation and skin absorption. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, which are contained in NAPHTHA, may be incompatible with strong oxidizing agents like nitric acid. Charring of the hydrocarbon may occur followed by ignition of unreacted hydrocarbon and other nearby combustibles. In other settings, aliphatic saturated hydrocarbons are mostly unreactive. They are not affected by aqueous solutions of acids, alkalis, most oxidizing agents, and most reducing agents. When heated sufficiently or when ignited in the presence of air, oxygen or strong oxidizing agents, they burn exothermically to produce carbon dioxide and water. May be ignited by strong oxidizers. Incompatible with strong oxidizers .
Health Hazard
Primarily a narcotic, causing unconsciousness in high concentrations. The symptoms of acute benzene poisoning are not likely, since the compound has components other than benzene.
Hazard
Flammable, dangerous fire risk, explosive
limits in air 1–6%.
Potential Exposure
Naphthas are used as organic solvents
for dissolving or softening rubber, oils, greases, bituminous
paints, varnishes, and plastics. The less flammable fractions
are used in dry cleaning. The heavy naphthas are used as a
vehicle for various pesticides. Coal tar naphthas are used as quick-drying paint solvent; in the manufacture of floor coverings;
resin solution; varnish; VM&P naphtha is used as a
solvent for lacquers and varnishes and as a rapid-dry paint
thinner.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get
immediate medical attention.
Shipping
UN1136 Coal tar distillates, flammable, Hazard
Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.
Incompatibilities
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.
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.
Production Methods
High flash naphtha C19 aromatic hydrocarbon components
are obtained by dehydrogenating naphthenes and are primarily
ethyltoluene and trimethylbenzene.
Flammability and Explosibility
Extremelyflammable
