Chemical Properties
The chlorinated naphthalenes in which one or
more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine to
form wax-like substances, beginning with monochloronaphthalene and going on to the octachlor derivatives.
Their physical states vary from mobile liquids to waxysolids depending on the degree of chlorination; freezing/
melting points of the pure compounds range from 17C
for 1-chloronaphthalene to 198C for 1,2,3,4-
tetrachloronaphthalene.
1-Chloro-isomer: Hazard identification (based on
NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 2, flammability 1,
reactivity 0.
2-Chloro-isomer:
Uses
Electric wire insulation; lubricants.
Uses
Wire coating, electrical insulations.
General Description
Colorless to pale-yellow solid with an aromatic odor. Mp: 93°C; bp: 304-354°C. Used in lubricants and in the manufacture of insulation for electrical wire. Presents an environmental danger. If released into the environment, bioaccumulation takes place in fish. Will persist in the environment causing long-term adverse effects. The halowaxes are technical-grade chlorinated naphthalenes containing trichloronaphthalene in its various isomers together with (mainly) tetrachloro- pentachloro- and hexa-chloronapthalenes in their various isomers.
Reactivity Profile
trichloronaphthalene is non-flammable, but combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic gases in a fire. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Reacts violently with liquid oxygen. Also can react violently with aluminum and with bases.
Hazard
A poison. Liver damage and chloracne.
Health Hazard
Trichloronaphthalene is moderately
toxic to the liver.Industrial exposure to trichloronaphthalene
(usually mixed with tetrachloronaphthalene)
has been relatively free of untoward
effects compared with the more highly chlorinated
naphthalenes.The higher-chlorinated naphthalenes
show a much greater toxicity.
Safety Profile
A poison. The
chlorinated naphthalenes have toxic effects
on the skin and liver. See also CHLORINATED
HYDROCARBONS,
ALIPHATIC; and POLYCHLORINATED
BIPHENYLS.
Potential Exposure
Industrial exposure from individual
chlorinated naphthalenes is rarely encountered; rather it
usually occurs from mixtures of two or more Chlorinated
naphthalenes. Due to their stability, thermoplasticity, and
nonflammability, these compounds enjoy wide industrial
application. These compounds are used in the production of
electric condensers; in the insulation of electric cables and
wires; as additives to extreme pressure lubricants; as supports for storage batteries; and as a coating in foundry use.
octachloro-: Used as a fireproof and waterproof additive
and lubricant additive. Pentachloro-: Used in electric wire
insulation and in additives to special lubricants. tetrachloro-: Used in electrical insulating materials and as an
additive in cutting oils. trichloro-: Used in lubricants and
in the manufacture of insulation for electrical wire.
Because of the possible potentiation of the toxicity of higher Chlorinated naphthalenes by ethanol and carbon tetrachloride, individuals who ingest enough alcohol to result in
liver dysfunction would be a special group at risk.
Individuals, e.g., analytical and synthetic chemists, mechanics and cleaners, who are routinely exposed to carbon tetrachloride or other hepatotoxic chemicals would also be at a
greater risk than a population without such exposure.
Individuals involved in the manufacture, utilization, or disposal of polychlorinated naphthalenes would be expected to
have higher levels of exposure than the general population.
Shipping
UN3082 Environmentally hazardous substances,
liquid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
All are 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. Keep away from
heat. Penta- is also incompatible with acids, alkalis.
Waste Disposal
High-temperature incineration
with flue gas scrubbing. Incineration, preferably after mixing with another combustible fuel. Care must be exercised
to assure complete combustion to prevent the formation of
phosgene. An acid scrubber is necessary to remove the halo
acids produced.
