Naphthalene Extraction

Naphthalene in pure form is used to produce components such as concrete plasticizers. The naphthalene molecule is extracted from heavy tar streams originating from refineries and steel production and is purified by crystallization.

The table below lists Dow Aromatics co-products that can be used as a feedstock for naphthalene. These products usually contain 15 – 25% naphthalene as well as methylnaphthalenes, indene and methylindenes.

Product	Description	Regional Availability	Naphthalene Content	Methylnaphthalene Content
Aromatic Oil	Oily mixture rich in high boiling aromatic components	Europe	15 – 20%	~ 3%
Blend TN280	Oily mixture consisting of various high boiling aromatic components such as dimers and trimers	Europe	5 – 15%	10 – 15%
Blend TN350	Ethylene cracker fuel oil rich in high boiling aromatic components	Europe	5 – 10%	10 – 15%
Carbon Black Feedstock	Ethylene cracker fuel oil rich in high boiling aromatic components	Europe	5 – 10%	10 – 15%