Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with a distinctive mothball-like odor. It is commonly used in mothballs, insecticides, and deodorizers. In research, naphthalene is often studied for its toxicity and environmental impact, as exposure to high levels of naphthalene can cause respiratory issues and other health problems in humans. Additionally, naphthalene is studied as a model compound for understanding the behavior of other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the environment, as it is relatively simple in structure and has well-characterized properties. Researchers also investigate naphthalene as a potential building block for the synthesis of various chemicals and materials.