tetrachloronaphthalene

Chemical Properties

Colorless to pale-yellow solid; aromatic odor. Insoluble in water.

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The chlorinated naphthalenes in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine to form wax-like substances, beginning with monochloronaphthalene and going on to the octachlor derivatives.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

Synthetic wax; dielectrics in capacitors; wire insulation.

Uses

Electrical insulating materials; in resins and polymers for coating textiles, wood, and paper; additive in cutting oils.

General Description

Colorless to pale-yellow solid with an intense aromatic odor. Melting Point :182 C. Presents an environmental danger. Used in lubricants and in the manufacture of insulation for electrical wire. 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 tetrachloronaphthalene in its various isomers together with (mainly) trichloro- pentachloro- and hexa-chloronapthalenes in their various isomers.

Reactivity Profile

tetrachloronaphthalene is non-flammable, but combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic gases in a fire. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Reacts violently with aluminum, with bases, and with liquid O2.

Hazard

Combustible. Toxic by inhalation and skin contact. Liver damage.

Health Hazard

Tetrachloronaphthalene may cause liver injury. Experiments on human volunteers showed tetrachloronaphthalene to be nonacneigenic as opposed to the penta- and hexachloro-derivatives that produce very severe chloracne.

Safety Profile

Probably a poison. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of Cl-. See also CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, AROMATIC; 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.

Carcinogenicity

Tetrachloronaphthalene was not mutagenic in the Salmonella Ames test.

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.