naphthalene Chem.
(ˈnæfθəliːn)
Also formerly naphthaline, -in (-ɪn).
[f. naphtha + -l- + -ene, -ine5: named by Kidd.]
A white crystalline substance, having a peculiar smell and pungent taste, usually obtained as a product in the distillation of coal-tar.
First noticed in 1819 by Garden (Annals Phil. XV. 74–5) and Brande (Q. Jrnl. Sci., etc. VIII. 287).
| α 1821 Kidd in Phil. Trans. CXI. 209 Observations on Naphthaline, a peculiar substance resembling a concrete essential oil. 1836–41 Brande Chem. (ed. 5) 553 When chlorine is passed over naphthalin, heat is evolved. 1857 Dunglison Med. Lex. 619 When Coal⁓tar is subjected to distillation, naphthaline passes over after coal naphtha. 1889 Lancet 28 Sept. 659/2 Naphthalin finely powdered and well spread..has its disinfecting power increased. 1897 Allbutt's Syst. Med. III. 742 Naphtha⁓line is another useful intestinal disinfectant. |
| β 1866 Watts Dict. Chem. IV. 5 Naphthalene when pure consists of brilliant white scaly crystals. 1891 Syd. Soc. Lex. s.v. Naphthalinum, Naphthalene, in powder, obtained by dissolving the scaly crystals in alcohol. |
| attrib. 1872 Watts Dict. Chem. 1st Suppl., Naphthalene Alcohol. 1874 tr. Lommel's Light 189 In Naphthalin red..there are rays of low refrangibility. 1890 Thorpe Dict. Appl. Chem. I. 233/2 This..is the saffranine of the naphthalene series. 1891 Syd. Soc. Lex. s.v. Naphthalene, This dye, together with naphthalin rose and naphthalin scarlet, are known as varieties of Magdala red. |