Biomaterial Database

Mothball composition: three simple tests for distinguishing paradichlorobenzene from naphthalene. 1986

J Ambre, and T I Ruo, and R Smith-Coggins

We describe three analytical procedures that can be used to distinguish naphthalene from the less toxic mothball component paradichlorobenzene. An initial presumptive identification can be made by noting the characteristic aroma of the two substances. This can be followed by one of the three analytical tests, each of which is simple to perform, gives an answer in seconds to minutes, and is definitive enough to eliminate the need for costly additional testing at an analytical reference laboratory. These tests have as additional advantages that the endpoints are dramatic and the reagents are commonly available.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009281	Naphthalenes	Two-ring crystalline hydrocarbons isolated from coal tar. They are used as intermediates in chemical synthesis, as insect repellents, fungicides, lubricants, preservatives, and, formerly, as topical antiseptics.
D009812	Odorants	The volatile portions of chemical substances perceptible by the sense of smell.	Odors,Aroma,Fragrance,Scents,Aromas,Fragrances,Odor,Odorant,Scent
D002623	Chemistry Techniques, Analytical	Methodologies used for the isolation, identification, detection, and quantitation of chemical substances.	Analytical Chemistry Techniques,Analytical Chemistry Methods,Analytical Chemistry Method,Analytical Chemistry Technique,Chemistry Method, Analytical,Chemistry Methods, Analytical,Chemistry Technique, Analytical,Method, Analytical Chemistry,Methods, Analytical Chemistry,Technique, Analytical Chemistry,Techniques, Analytical Chemistry
D002722	Chlorobenzenes	Aromatic organic compounds with the chemical formula C6H5Cln.
D003116	Color	The visually perceived property of objects created by absorption or reflection of specific wavelengths of light.	Colors