Combustion of Naphthalene

C₁₀H₈ + 12O₂ → 10CO₂ + 4H₂O

Overview

Naphthalene burns with a very smoky, luminous flame characteristic of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Its high carbon content results in significant soot production. Naphthalene is the simplest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with two fused benzene rings.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Naphthalene C₁₀H₈	1	(s)
Reactant	Oxygen O	12	(g)
Product	Water H₂O	4	(l)
Product	Carbon Dioxide CO₂	10	(g)

Everyday Example

Mothballs are made of naphthalene, which slowly sublimes to vapor. While they are not typically burned, the vapor is flammable.

Industrial Importance

Naphthalene is used to produce phthalic anhydride (for plasticizers and polyester resins), as a moth repellent, and as a chemical intermediate.

Properties

Type: Combustion
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -5157.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Combustion of Acetylene Combustion of Benzene Combustion of Butane Combustion of Carbon Monoxide Combustion of Cyclohexane Combustion of Ethane Combustion of Ethanol Combustion of Ethylene Combustion of Glucose (Cellular Respiration) Combustion of Glycerol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Combustion of Naphthalene?

The balanced equation is: C₁₀H₈ + 12O₂ → 10CO₂ + 4H₂O.

What type of reaction is Combustion of Naphthalene?

Combustion of Naphthalene is a combustion reaction.

Is Combustion of Naphthalene exothermic or endothermic?

Combustion of Naphthalene is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -5157.0 kJ/mol.