1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene: Properties, Safety & Lab Use

1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene is a chlorinated polycyclic aromatic compound belonging to the polychlorinated naphthalene (PCN) family, recognized for its chemical stability, environmental persistence, and utility as a reference standard in analytical and environmental research.

Chemical Name

1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene

Molecular Formula

C₁₀H₄Cl₄

Molecular Weight

265.95 g/mol

Chemical Class

Polychlorinated Naphthalene (PCN), Halogenated Aromatic

CAS Number

Review required — not confirmed in source material

Storage Condition

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from light and ignition sources

Aladdin SKU

T1539444

Chemical Identity and Structure

1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene is a member of the polychlorinated naphthalene (PCN) congener group, in which four chlorine atoms are substituted at the 1, 2, 3, and 8 positions of the naphthalene ring system. The naphthalene backbone confers planar aromaticity, while the chlorine substituents substantially increase lipophilicity, chemical stability, and resistance to metabolic degradation.

PCNs share structural and toxicological similarities with other legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs). The specific substitution pattern of 1,2,3,8-tetrachloronaphthalene influences its physicochemical properties, including vapor pressure, water solubility, and octanol–water partition coefficient (log K_ow), all of which are critical parameters in environmental fate modeling.

Note: Exact physicochemical constants (melting point, log K_ow, vapor pressure) for this specific congener should be verified against peer-reviewed literature or certified reference datasheets prior to use in quantitative studies.

Applications in Research and Analysis

1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene serves several important roles in scientific research:

• Analytical Reference Standard: Used as a certified or in-house reference standard for the identification and quantification of polychlorinated naphthalene congeners in environmental matrices (water, sediment, soil, air, and biological tissue) by GC-MS, GC-HRMS, or GC-ECD methods.
• Environmental Monitoring: PCN congeners including 1,2,3,8-tetrachloronaphthalene are monitored in environmental samples as part of regulatory compliance programs and research into the sources, transport, and fate of chlorinated POPs.
• Toxicological and Mechanistic Studies: As a structurally defined congener, it may be used to investigate structure–activity relationships (SAR), receptor binding (e.g., aryl hydrocarbon receptor, AhR), and comparative toxicity within the PCN congener series.
• Method Development and Validation: Suitable for spiking experiments to evaluate analytical method recovery, precision, and matrix effects in multi-residue environmental analyses.

Researchers should confirm suitability, purity specifications, and certified values with Aladdin Scientific prior to use in regulated or publication-critical assays.

Safe Handling, Storage, and Disposal

Hazard Overview: Chlorinated naphthalenes are recognized as potentially toxic compounds with environmental persistence. As with related halogenated aromatics, 1,2,3,8-tetrachloronaphthalene should be treated as a hazardous substance until a complete safety data sheet (SDS) has been reviewed.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene), a laboratory coat, and safety goggles when handling this compound. Where dust or aerosol generation is possible, use a fume hood or respiratory protection compliant with local occupational health regulations.

Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from heat sources, open flames, and direct sunlight. Segregate from oxidizing agents and incompatible materials. Follow institutional chemical storage guidelines.

Disposal: Dispose of 1,2,3,8-tetrachloronaphthalene and contaminated materials as halogenated organic waste in accordance with local, national, and institutional environmental regulations. Do not discharge to drain, sewer, or natural waterways.

Emergency: In case of spill or accidental exposure, consult the SDS immediately and follow institutional emergency response protocols. Contact occupational health services as appropriate.

Always obtain and review the current SDS from Aladdin Scientific before working with this compound.

Regulatory and Environmental Context

Polychlorinated naphthalenes as a chemical class have attracted increasing regulatory attention globally due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and suspected toxicity. Several PCN mixtures (e.g., Halowax formulations) have been used historically in industrial applications including cable insulation, wood preservation, and as capacitor fluids, resulting in widespread environmental contamination.

Under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, PCNs have been subject to review and listing considerations. Researchers and procurement teams should verify the current regulatory status of 1,2,3,8-tetrachloronaphthalene under applicable national and international frameworks (e.g., REACH in the EU, TSCA in the USA) before purchase, import, or use.

Environmental monitoring data have detected PCN congeners, including tetrachloronaphthalenes, in Arctic regions, marine sediments, and human tissues, underscoring the importance of this compound class as an analytical target in global environmental surveillance programs.

Regulatory status information provided here is for general guidance only. Users are responsible for confirming applicable regulations in their jurisdiction.

Ordering and Specifications

1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU T1539444. Before placing an order, researchers and lab managers are encouraged to:

• Request the full Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm purity, lot-specific analytical data, and hazard information.
• Verify that the supplied grade and purity meet the requirements of the intended application (e.g., reference standard grade for regulated environmental analysis).
• Check current stock availability, packaging options, and pricing through the Aladdin Scientific product portal or by contacting customer service.
• Confirm any import/export licensing or permit requirements applicable to halogenated organic compounds in your country.

For bulk quantities, custom packaging, or special purity requirements, contact Aladdin Scientific's technical sales team directly.

Frequently asked questions

What is 1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene used for in research?

It is primarily used as an analytical reference standard for the detection and quantification of polychlorinated naphthalene congeners in environmental samples by techniques such as GC-MS and GC-HRMS. It is also employed in toxicological studies, structure–activity relationship investigations, and analytical method development and validation.

Is 1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene hazardous, and what precautions should I take?

Chlorinated naphthalenes as a class are considered potentially toxic and environmentally persistent. You should always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use, work in a fume hood, wear chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat, and eye protection. Dispose of waste as halogenated organic waste in compliance with local regulations.

How should 1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene be stored?

Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and open flames. Segregate from oxidizing agents and follow your institution's chemical storage policy.

What is the Aladdin Scientific SKU for 1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene?

The Aladdin Scientific SKU for 1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene is T1539444. Contact Aladdin Scientific customer service or visit the product page for current availability, pricing, and specification details.

Is 1,2,3,8-Tetrachloronaphthalene regulated under international environmental conventions?

Polychlorinated naphthalenes as a chemical class have been reviewed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Users should verify the current regulatory status of this specific congener under applicable national and international regulations (e.g., REACH, TSCA) before purchase or use, as regulatory frameworks may change.

References

1. Falandysz J. Polychlorinated naphthalenes: an environmental update. Environmental Pollution. 1998;101(1):77–90.
2. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Listing of polychlorinated naphthalenes. United Nations Environment Programme.
3. Helm PA, Bidleman TF. Current combustion-related sources contribute to polychlorinated naphthalene and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl levels and profiles in air in Toronto, Canada. Environmental Science & Technology. 2003;37(6):1075–1082.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.