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more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine to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:
Octachloronapthalene is a polychlorinated napththalene (PCN) produced via industrial thermal processes. It is a chemical pollutant present in the environment.
In electric cable insulation; additive to
lubricants
Chemical research; organic synthesis. According to HSDB (1005), U.S. has discontinued
manufacturing of chlorinated naphthalenes since 1977. Chlorinated naphthalenes were formerly
used as a wood preservative, additives in cutting oils, and as an additive in fireproofing and
waterproofing cable insulation.
Pale yellow solid with an aromatic odor.
Contact with strong oxidizing agents may cause fire and explosion .
The higher-chlorinated naphthalenes
may cause severe injury to the liver.
Literature sources indicate that Octachloronaphthalene is nonflammable.
Poison by inhalation,
ingestion, and skin contact. When heated to
decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of
Cl-. See also CHLORINATED
HYDROCARBONS, AROMATIC.
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.
Octachloronaphthalene was detected in various technical-grade PCB mixtures as
impurities or by-products. Concentrations were 0.098 μg/g in PCB-1016, 0.433 μg/g in PCB-
1232, 0.378 μg/g in PCB-1248, 3.23 μg/g in PCB-1254, 55.5 μg/g in PCB-1260, and 50.5 μg/g in
PCB-1262 (Yamashita et al., 2000).
UN3082 Environmentally hazardous substances,
liquid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required.
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.
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.
