Naphthalene price index

Naphthalene price index

This post is a summary of the Naphthalene price developments. The price developments of Naphthalene are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Naphthalene price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Naphthalene prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Naphthalene prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Naphthalene
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Naphthalene prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Naphthalene market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

price developments since 2017. The price developments are expressed as a price index in US$ prices converted at current FX rates, which are the FX rates applicable at the time the price was valid. Naphthalene price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

Further information on the Naphthalene price index

Here is some further information

What is Naphthalene

Naphthalene is a white, crystalline organic compound with the chemical formula C10H8. It is a solid at room temperature and has a strong, mothball-like odor. Naphthalene is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. It is found naturally in coal tar and crude oil, and is also produced synthetically.

Naphthalene is used in a variety of applications, including the production of mothballs and other insect repellents, the manufacture of dyes and plastics, and as a solvent. It can also be found in some consumer products, such as toilet bowl cleaners and air fresheners.

Exposure to high levels of naphthalene can be harmful to humans, and it has been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It is important to handle and use products containing naphthalene with caution, and to follow the instructions on their labels.

How is naphthalene produced

Naphthalene can be produced naturally through the distillation of coal tar or crude oil. It can also be synthesized chemically from crude oil or coal tar.

One method of synthesizing naphthalene involves the reaction of benzene (C6H6) with propylene (CH3CHCH2) in the presence of a catalyst, such as aluminum chloride (AlCl3). This reaction, known as the Friedel-Crafts alkylation, produces a mixture of naphthalene and other aromatic compounds. The naphthalene can be separated from the other compounds through distillation.

Another method of synthesizing naphthalene involves the reaction of acenaphthene (C12H8) with hydrogen (H2) in the presence of a catalyst, such as a metal, at high temperature and pressure. This reaction, known as hydrogenation, converts the acenaphthene into naphthalene.

It is also possible to synthesize naphthalene from other hydrocarbons, such as toluene (C7H8) or xylene (C8H10), through a variety of chemical reactions. These methods are typically used to produce naphthalene on a large scale for industrial purposes.

What is naphthalene used for

Naphthalene is used in a variety of applications, including:

Mothballs and insect repellents

Naphthalene is used in the production of mothballs, which are placed in storage areas to protect clothing and other materials from damage caused by moths. It is also used in some insect repellents to repel moths, mosquitoes, and other insects.

Dyes and plastics

Naphthalene is used as a starting material in the production of dyes and pigments, such as naphthol, which is used to make a variety of colored dyes. It is also used in the production of some plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Solvent

Naphthalene is a solvent, meaning it can dissolve other substances. It is used as a solvent in some cleaning products, such as toilet bowl cleaners, and in the production of some pharmaceuticals.

Other consumer products

Naphthalene is also used in the production of some consumer products, such as air fresheners, candles, and personal care products.

Further reading

• Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
• PubChem for chemistry and property  information

Naphthalene market information

According to https://oec.world/ :

Naphthalene are the world’s 4026th most traded product.

In 2020, the top exporters of Naphthalene were South Africa ($18.9M), Germany ($13.5M), Denmark ($12.7M), Japan ($12.4M), and Ukraine ($7.32M).

In 2020, the top importers of Naphthalene were United Arab Emirates ($17.8M), China ($8.91M), Belgium ($8.73M), India ($8.38M), and United States ($7.21M).