MOLECULE

2-Methylnaphthalene

2-Methylnaphthalene belongs to the class of organic compounds known as naphthalenes. Naphthalenes are compounds containing a naphthalene moiety, which consists of two fused benzene rings. 2-methylnaphthalene is a potentially toxic compound. 2-Methylnaphthalene is also considered a Plycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH). NASA announced on February 22, 2014 a greatly upgraded database for detecting and monitoring PAHs in the universe, including 2-methylnaphthalene. According to NASA scientists, over 20% of the carbon in the universe may be associated with PAHs, possible starting materials for the formation of life. PAHs seem to have been formed shortly after the Big Bang, are abundant in the universe, and are associated with new stars and exoplanets. In the human body, many PAH's induce the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, especially CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1, by binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor or glycine N-methyltransferase protein. The reactive metabolites of PAHs (epoxide intermediates, dihydrodiols, phenols, quinones, and their various combinations) covalently bind to DNA and other cellular macromolecules, initiating mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. Acute exposure to PAHs causes irritation and inflammation of the skin and lung tissue. Exposure to large amounts of 2-methylnapthalene may also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, and a yellow color to the skin. 2-Methylnaphthalene has been found in the volatile fraction of Cannabis sativa (PMID: 26657499) and is a component of marijuana smoke (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-947-9_2). It is volatilized during the combustion of cannabis.