Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
naphthenic

naphthenic

9.9
Of a type of chemical found in crude oil
  • adjective
  • /næfˈθɛnɪk/
  • Specialized
: nafténico
  • The chemist analyzed the naphthenic content of the crude oil sample.

Examples

  • Certain oils with a naphthenic base are preferred for their stability at low temperatures.

  • The naphthenic acids in crude oil can affect refining processes.

  • The refinery processes naphthenic acids to produce lubricants.

  • We analyzed the naphthenic compounds present in the sample.

  • The refinery processes naphthenic acids to produce high-quality lubricants.

  • Certain oils with a naphthenic base are often preferred for their excellent stability at low temperatures.

  • The chemist studied the naphthenic content of the crude oil to improve the refining process.

Surface Forms

naphthenic positive

Morphology

naphthenic = naphthene (transparent) = naphthene + ic

The adjective is directly formed from the noun 'naphthene' with the productive suffix '-ic' meaning 'relating to'.

Etymology

Naphthenic comes from naphtha, an old word for 'oil' or 'rock oil' used in the Middle East, and the ending -enic means 'related to'. So, naphthenic describes something that comes from or is like that kind of oil, which is why it names a type of hydrocarbon in petroleum.