Acenaphthene Properties and Applications

Chemistry Learning

Overview Properties Structure Uses Safety

Acenaphthene

/ˌæsɪˈnæfθiːn/
Chemical compound Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

Chemical formula: C₁₂H₁₀

Molar mass: 154.21 g/mol

📚 Key Properties

Physical Properties

White crystalline solid with aromatic odor

Acenaphthene melts at 93-95°C and boils at 279°C.
It's soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water.
Characteristics

Chemical Structure

Fused three-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

The acenaphthene molecule consists of naphthalene with an ethylene bridge.
Molecular formula: C₁₂H₁₀
Structure

Classification

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)

Acenaphthene is classified as a persistent organic pollutant.
It's one of 16 EPA priority PAH pollutants.
Category

Acenaphthene occurs naturally in coal tar and petroleum. It's produced industrially for various chemical applications.

🔄 Property Comparison

Chemical Properties

Acenaphthene is more stable than naphthalene.

It undergoes electrophilic substitution reactions.

The compound fluoresces under UV light.

Physical Properties

White crystalline solid

Melting point: 93-95°C

Boiling point: 279°C

🔬 Molecular Structure

Structural Formula

C₁₂H₁₀

Fused three-ring system

IUPAC Name

1,2-dihydroacenaphthylene

Systematic nomenclature

Structural Features:

Key Characteristics

  • Contains 12 carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms
  • Molecular weight: 154.21 g/mol
  • Density: 1.024 g/cm³

🎯 Industrial Applications

Dye Production

Precursor for synthetic dyes

Acenaphthene derivatives are used in dye manufacturing.
Important for producing certain azo dyes.
Chemical Industry

Plastic Additives

Component in plastic production

Used as acenaphthene-based plasticizers
Improves flexibility in certain polymers
Polymer Industry

Research Chemical

Laboratory applications

acenaphthene serves as PAH standard
Used in environmental testing
Scientific Research

Industrial Note

Annual production: ~10,000 tons
Primary source: Coal tar distillation

⚠️ Safety Considerations

Hazard Information:

Flammability: Combustible solid

Health hazards: Possible carcinogen

Environmental impact: Persistent in environment

Protective measures: Use gloves and eye protection

✍️ Safety Quiz

Safety Procedures

1. What PPE is required when handling acenaphthene?
2. How should acenaphthene waste be disposed?
3. What are the first aid measures for eye exposure?

1. Gloves, goggles, and lab coat

2. As hazardous waste according to local regulations

3. Flush eyes with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention

Environmental Impact

Answer true or false:

• Acenaphthene is biodegradable in water [False]
• Acenaphthene bioaccumulates in organisms [True]
• Acenaphthene is regulated under EPA guidelines [True]

Correct Handling

Identify incorrect practices:

1. Storing acenaphthene near heat sources
2. Disposing acenaphthene in regular trash
3. Handling without ventilation

1. Store in cool, well-ventilated area

2. Dispose as hazardous waste

3. Use fume hood when handling