Naptha, also spelled naphtha, is a type of hydrocarbon produced through a distillation process. A major source of naptha is crude oil, processed in refineries by “cracking” to break down the chains of hydrocarbons. Coal tar can also be processed to yield this hydrocarbon, and it can also be extracted from wood. There are a number of uses for naptha, and humans have been using this compound for a long time; at least one culture, for example, used it in primitive grenades.

There is some irregularity in how the word “naptha” is used. Historically, it was often used generally to refer to crude oil. Today, it refers to an array of hydrocarbons of different compositions which share some structural similarities. Naptha is often broken into aliphatic or “light” naptha and aromatic or “heavy” varieties. Aliphatic compounds contain more paraffin. The root word is often seen in the names for other hydrocarbon compounds, illustrating the fact that it is often a component ingredient or base in hydrocarbon processing and production.

One common use of this chemical is as a solvent. Naptha is a very strong and versatile solvent which can be used in hydrocarbon cracking, laundry soaps, organic chemistry, cleaning fluids, and many other applications. Fels-Naptha® is a particularly famous soap which contains this chemical as a solvent. The product is also used to make varnish, to fuel camping cook stoves and lamps, and in the processing of fuels such as gasoline and kerosene.

Some forms of this chemical can be dangerous. A few are carcinogenic, and many cause skin irritation, stomach upset, and other health problems when people are exposed to them. Naptha is also unstable and flammable, making it important to handle it with care. People who do accidentally inhale or ingest it should see a doctor, while people who have experienced skin contact should shower well to reduce the risk of developing skin irritation.

Many refineries produce a number of different forms of naptha. Each comes with its own material safety data sheet (MSDS) providing specific information about its chemical composition, handling precautions, health risks, and so forth. It is important to read this information carefully to confirm that one is as knowledgeable as possible before using the chemical. The MSDS also has useful information about what to do in an emergency or in the event of an accidental exposure, which can be valuable to know about ahead of time.