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more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine to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:
In synthetic wax; in electric wire insulation;
in lubricants
Hexachloronaphthalene is used in electricwire insulation and as an additive to lubri cants.
White solid with an aromatic odor.
HALOWAX 1014 is generally unreactive. May be incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. May be incompatible with some amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides.
Toxic by inhalation, strong irritant,
absorbed by skin.
The symptoms of acute toxicity are chlo racne or an acneform of dermatitis, nausea,weakness, confusion, and jaundice. The tar get organs are mainly the liver and skin. Mix tures of penta- and hexachloronaphthaleneat concentrations between 1 and 2 mg/m3have been attributed to fatal cases of yel low atrophy of the liver (Elkins 1959). TheLD50 values for this compound are notreported.
Literature sources indicate that HALOWAX 1014 is nonflammable.
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.
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.
