Naphthalene

Naphthalene is a white crystalline hydrocarbon that is solid at room temperature. Naphthalene has a very strong smell and chunks of naphthalene were used to keep clothes moths away from stored clothes. Naphthalene was also used in entomological collections to keep away pests, such as museum beetle, which may damage the specimens.

Unfortunately naphthalene is extremely toxic and was found to be cancer causing so is no longer in use.

The chemical structure of Naphthalene.

Related terms

• Entomologist
• Lepidoptera
• Lepidopterist
• Setting board

Related groups of terms

• Equipment

Related pages on this web site

• Butterflies and Moths - Order Lepidoptera
• Preparing/Maintaining a Collection of Butterflies & Moths

See other words beginning with N