Decalin

Description

[DuPont] A registered trademark for a solvent composed of Decahydronaphthalene. Decalin® is a very strong solvent that dissolves oils, fats, waxes, resins, and Rubber. It has been used as a substitute for turpentine and as a cleaning fluid. Decalin® is used in stain removers, cleaning fluids and floor waxes. At one point, Decalin® was used as a varnish remover for oil paintings (Doerner 1934).

Synonyms and Related Terms

decaline; DeKalin; hydroterpene; decahydronaphthalene; naphthalane; naphthane

Risks

• Combustible. Moderate fire risk.
• Skin and eye irritant.
• Decalin Chemicals: MSDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

Soluble in ethanol, ether. Insoluble in water.

Composition	C10H18
CAS	91-17-8
Melting Point	-43.2 C
Density	0.877 g/ml
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. = 138.25
Refractive Index	1.4697-1.4811
Boiling Point	185-194 C

Resources and Citations

• M.Doerner, The Materials of the Artist, Harcourt, Brace & Company, 1934.

• Thomas Gregory, The Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Reinhold Publishing, New York, 3rd ed., 1942

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 2903