What are the properties and structure of naphthalene?
Understand the Problem
The question is discussing the structure and properties of naphthalene and its chemical characteristics. It also references historical contributions to its understanding.
Answer
Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with two fused benzene rings and the formula C10H8.
Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of two fused benzene rings. It has the chemical structure C10H8 and is an organic, aromatic molecule characterized by alternating single and double bonds, resulting in distinct resonance structures. Naphthalene appears as a white crystalline substance with a strong odor, commonly used in mothballs.
Answer for screen readers
Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of two fused benzene rings. It has the chemical structure C10H8 and is an organic, aromatic molecule characterized by alternating single and double bonds, resulting in distinct resonance structures. Naphthalene appears as a white crystalline substance with a strong odor, commonly used in mothballs.
More Information
Naphthalene's structure is unique among polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons because of the fusion of two benzene rings in an 'ortho' position. This compound is widely known for its use in mothballs and its characteristic strong odor.
Tips
A common mistake when studying naphthalene is misunderstanding its resonance structures. Remember that these structures are not distinct but rather represent a delocalization of electrons across the molecule.
Sources
- Naphthalene | C10H8 | CID 931 - PubChem - pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Naphthalene - Structure, Properties, Forms, Uses, and FAQs - Vedantu - vedantu.com
- Naphthalene - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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