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Product Line: Cosmetic Chemicals

1-Methylnaphthalene

CAS 90-12-0

Molecular structure of 1-Methylnaphthalene

CAS · 90-12-0

01

Product Overview

1-Methylnaphthalene is a high-purity essences-and-fragrances supplied for industrial and specialty chemical applications. Contact our team for specifications, packaging options and lead times.

02

Product Specifications

Appearance: Light yellow liquid
Purity (GC): 97% min
Molecular Weight: 142.2
Molecular Formula: C11H10
03

Applications

1. Reference Fuel in Cetane Number Determination

● One of the most important applications of 1-Methylnaphthalene丨CAS 90-12-0 is as a reference fuel in the ASTM cetane number scale, which measures diesel fuel ignition quality.

● Originally, cetane (hexadecane) was assigned a value of 100, and 1-methylnaphthalene a value of 0 (due to its poor ignition quality).

● Though isocetane later replaced 1-methylnaphthalene due to handling issues, it remains historically and technically significant in combustion studies and diesel engine research.

2. Intermediate in Organic Synthesis

● Used as a starting material or intermediate in the production of:
Dyes
Agrochemicals
Pharmaceuticals
Specialty chemicals (e.g., antioxidants and stabilizers)

3. Research and Development

● Employed in combustion research, especially in studying PAH formation and soot production.

Useful in modeling and analyzing aromatic hydrocarbon behavior, particularly in fuel-rich flames or incomplete combustion processes.

4. Industrial Solvent and Additive

● Occasionally used as a solvent for resins, polymers, or hydrophobic compounds.

● May be used as a chemical additive in limited industrial applications, though less frequently than naphthalene.

04

Benefits

1. Defined Chemical and Combustion Properties

● Its low cetane number and high aromatic content make it ideal for controlled combustion experiments.

● Provides insight into engine knock, ignition delay, and aromatic combustion mechanisms.

2. Versatility as a Building Block

● Its reactive aromatic structure (methyl group + naphthalene ring) allows for functionalization in advanced chemical syntheses.

3. Benchmark Material in Diesel Fuel Testing

● While not commonly used in modern cetane number testing, 1-methylnaphthalene set a key standard in the development of diesel fuel performance metrics.

● Remains relevant in engine and combustion modeling today.

05

Conclusion

1-Methylnaphthalene丨CAS 90-12-0 is a niche but scientifically valuable aromatic hydrocarbon, especially recognized for its role in defining the cetane number scale and for its importance in combustion and environmental research. Though it is less commonly used in modern industry compared to other PAHs, its unique chemical profile ensures continued relevance in specialized applications such as fuel characterization, organic synthesis, and toxicology studies.

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