Tetralin

Tetralin

Names
IUPAC name 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene
Other names Bacticin Benzocyclohexane Naphthalene 1,2,3,4-tetrahydride THN
Identifiers
Jmol-3D images	Image
SMILES c1ccc2c(c1)CCCC2
Properties
Chemical formula	C10H12
Molar mass	132.21 g/mol
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Odor	Naphtalene-like
Density	0.970 g/cm3 (at 20 °C)
Melting point	−35.8 °C (−32.4 °F; 237.3 K)
Boiling point	207.6 °C (405.7 °F; 480.8 K)
Solubility in water	Insoluble
Solubility	Miscible with acetone, benzene, butanol, chloroform, decalin, ethanol, petroleum ether Soluble in aniline, diethyl ether, methanol (50% w/w)
Hazards
Safety data sheet	MATHESON TRI-GAS
Flash point	77°C
Related compounds
Related compounds	Naphthalene Decalin
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Tetralin (IUPAC name 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) is an organic compound, a hydrocarbon having the chemical formula C₁₀H₁₂. It is similar to naphthalene in structure, except one ring is saturated.

Properties

Chemical

The reaction of elemental bromine with tetralin will give dry hydrogen bromide gas:

C₁₀H₁₂ + 4 Br₂ → C₁₀H₈Br₄ + 4 HBr ↑

Physical

Tetralin is a colorless viscous liquid, with a faint naphtalene-like smell.

Availability

Tetralin can be purchased from chemical suppliers.

Preparation

There are several ways to prepare Tetralin.

The most convenient route involves the partial hydrogenation of naphthalene with a platinum catalyst. Small amounts of side products, such as decalin are also produced.

Birch reduction of naphthalene is another route, however the reaction is not selective and is a dangerous method.

Projects

• Maky dry HBr gas
• Preparation of elemental potassium

Handling

Safety

Tetralin is irritant and should be handled with care.

Storage

In closed bottles.

Disposal

Should be mixed with a more flammable solvent and burned.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Preparation of Tetralin?
• Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Naphthalene to Tetralin