Naphthene: meaning, definitions and examples
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naphthene
[ ˈnæfθiːn ]
chemical compound
Naphthene refers to a class of hydrocarbons that are cycloparaffins or cyclic alkanes. These compounds typically contain one or more cyclopentane or cyclohexane rings. Naphthenes are important in the petrochemical industry and in the production of fuels and lubricants.
Synonyms
alicyclic hydrocarbon, cycloparaffin
Examples of usage
- Naphthenes can be found in crude oil.
- Petroleum products often contain significant amounts of naphthenes.
- Certain naphthenes are used to improve gasoline characteristics.
- Naphthenic acids are derived from naphthenes and used in various industrial applications.
Etymology
The term 'naphthene' is derived from 'naphtha,' which refers to a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture. The word 'naphtha' itself originates from the Persian word 'naft,' which means 'liquid.' Naphthenes were first identified in the mid-19th century as scientists were exploring the composition of petroleum products. The study of naphthenes became particularly relevant with the rise of the petrochemical industry, as these compounds play a crucial role in refining processes. Their unique structural properties allow them to be transformed into various chemical products, making them valuable in numerous applications ranging from energy sources to lubricants. The classification and understanding of naphthenes have evolved, leading to further developments in organic chemistry and materials science.