Naphthalene is a white, volatile aromatic hydrocarbon with characteristic odor; insoluble in water, somewhat soluble in methanol/ethanol, soluble in organic solvents and very soluble in ether, chloroform, or carbon disulfide. Commercially it is available in molten form or in flaked form. It has the molecular structure of two fused or condensed benzene rings sharing two adjacent carbon atoms; C₁₀H₈. Naphthalene is obtained from coal tar which is distilled in the temperature range of 170 - 230°C and is treated with a sodium hydroxide solution to remove phenols. Naphthalene is obtained by the isolation from pyrolysis residue oils, olefin fractions, and petroleum-derived fractions.

The distribution capacity is supposed to be about 60% coal-tar and 40% petroleum-derived naphthalene in U.S.A. It is an important parent material to produce numerous substitution products used in the manufacture of dyes, insecticides, organic solvents and synthetic resins. Phthalic anhydride is prepared by oxidizing naphthalene to be used in the manufacture of dyes, resins, plasticizers, and insecticides. Naphthalene sulfonate surfactants and dispersants, however, have increased their market share significantly and are expected to drive whatever growth there is for naphthalene. Naphthalene is the major raw material for Carbaryl, used as a general-purpose insecticide. Naphthalene is also used for moth repellents, fungicides, lubricants, explosives, wood preservatives, vermicides and hydronaphthalenes (tetralin, decalin). Hydronaphthalenes are used for major raw material for dyes, resins, plasticizers, and insecticides. They are also used in reactive and process solvents, heat transfer fluid, dye carrier, fuel additives, lubricants, ore flotation and oilfield chemicals.