Is 2-Methylnaphthalene a VOC?

Yes. 2-Methylnaphthalene is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).

Is 2-Methylnaphthalene on California's Proposition 65 list?

No. 2-Methylnaphthalene is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

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2-Methylnaphthalene

Q: What is 2-Methylnaphthalene used for in car care?

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) solvent fraction present in petroleum-derived aerosol cleaners, including induction-system and carburetor cleaners. A methylated naphthalene isomer — like naphthalene, it contributes solvency for carbon and varnish deposits and is associated with the H350 carcinogenicity classification at the mixture level.

Aromatic solvents
CAS 91-57-6
IUPAC: 2-Methylnaphthalene

2-Methylnaphthalene (CAS 91-57-6) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) via inhalation. Contributes to H350 carcinogenicity classification at the mixture level in SDS formulations containing 5–<10%. Not independently Prop 65 listed in California (unlike parent naphthalene), but the mixture-level H350 classification applies when present alongside other PAH components.

2-Methylnaphthalene (CAS 91-57-6) is a methylated derivative of naphthalene — one of the two mononitronaphthalene isomers — that occurs naturally in petroleum fractions derived from coal tar and crude oil distillation. It is present in AMSOIL Power Foam at 5–<10% as part of the induction-deposit solvent system.

Like its parent compound naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with aquatic toxicity and bioaccumulation concerns. IARC classifies it as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) based on animal studies; it contributes to the H350 carcinogenicity classification carried by the mixture as a whole. SARA 313 requires reporting of 2-methylnaphthalene releases above threshold quantities.

In the context of aerosol induction cleaners, 2-methylnaphthalene provides solvency for baked-on carbon deposits and varnish from ethanol-blended fuels. The high volatility means inhalation is the primary exposure route during aerosol application.

Health & environment profile

VOC: yes
Prop 65 listed: no
Asthmagen: no
EPA Safer Choice: no
Aquatic toxicity: yes
Biodegradable: no
Bioaccumulative: yes
Persistent: yes
Ozone depleting: no
Microplastic: no
PFAS: no
Env. score: 2/5

Purpose: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) solvent fraction present in petroleum-derived aerosol cleaners, including induction-system and carburetor cleaners. A methylated naphthalene isomer — like naphthalene, it contributes solvency for carbon and varnish deposits and is associated with the H350 carcinogenicity classification at the mixture level.

Common questions about 2-Methylnaphthalene

What is 2-Methylnaphthalene used for in car care?: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) solvent fraction present in petroleum-derived aerosol cleaners, including induction-system and carburetor cleaners. A methylated naphthalene isomer — like naphthalene, it contributes solvency for carbon and varnish deposits and is associated with the H350 carcinogenicity classification at the mixture level.
Is 2-Methylnaphthalene a VOC?: Yes. 2-Methylnaphthalene is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is 2-Methylnaphthalene on California's Proposition 65 list?: No. 2-Methylnaphthalene is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

1 product contain this

AMSOIL Power Foam Engine Cleaner and Degreaser
engine-degreaser
Prop 65

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.