Science, Tech, Math › Science Naphthenes Definition and Examples What Are Naphthenes? Print Issarawat Tattong / Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on October 07, 2019 Naphthenes Definition Naphthenes are a class of cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. Naphthenes have the general formula CnH2n. These compounds are characterized by having one or more rings of saturated carbon atoms. Naphthenes are an important component of liquid petroleum refinery products. Most of the heavier boiling point complex residues are cycloalkanes. Naphthenic crude oil is more readily converted into gasoline than paraffin-rich crudes are. Read More Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Definition By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Note naphthenes are not the same as the chemical called naphthalene. Also Known As: Naphthenes are also known as cycloalkanes or cycloparaffin. Alternate Spellings: naphthene Common Misspellings: napthene, napthenes Examples of Naphthenes: cyclohexane, cyclopropane Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Naphthenes Definition and Examples." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-naphthenes-605384. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 28). Naphthenes Definition and Examples. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-naphthenes-605384 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Naphthenes Definition and Examples." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-naphthenes-605384 (accessed March 29, 2024). copy citation