Naphthalene is the single most abundant component of coal tar. Although the composition of coal tar varies with the coal from which it is produced, typically coal tar is about 10% naphthalene by weight. Naphthalene balls or moth balls are widely used as an effective household preservative of woollen clothes and as a deodorant tablet for improving the cleanliness of toilets. Naphthalene balls work as toilet air fresheners, to control odors from toilets; as well as protects and preserves woollen clothes without any damage from moths or moth larvae.
Naphthalene C10H8, sometimes called 'TARCAMPHOR' is a colourless crystalline flaked solid with the familiar odour of moth balls. Naphthalene C10H8 is an aromatic hydrocarbon with two condensed ring aromatic compounds.
A good commercial grade of naphthalene (called 78° Naphthalene, referring to the melting point) is approximately 96% pure. Refined naphthalene is available in flakes, pellets, and balls. Use of Naphthalene as an insect repellent has dwindled in recent years as other materials, e.g. p-dichlorobenzene, have displaced it. As a whole it is a good project for entrepreneurs to invest.
Few Indian Major Players are as under
• Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Himadri Chemicals & Inds. Ltd.
• Nagreeka Exports Ltd.
• Shree Hari Chemicals Export Ltd.